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SPELLING-BOOK SUPERSEDED; 

OR, 

A NEW AND EASY METHOD OF TEACHING 
THE 

SPELLING, MEANING, PRONUNCIATION, AND ETYMOLOGY 

OF ALL THE 

DIFFICULT WORDS IN THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE ; 

WITH 

EXERCISES ON VERBAL DISTINCTIONS. 

BV 

ROBERT SULLIVAN, LL.D, T.C.D., 

BARRISTER-AT-LAW, etc. 



One Hundred and Fifty-fourth Edition. 




LONDON: 

LONGMANS, AND CO. ; SIMPKLN, MARSHALL, AND CO. ; 

HAMILTON, ADAMS, AND CO. 

EDINBURGH: JOHN MENZIES AND CO. 

HALIFAX, N.S. : A. & W. MACKINLAY. 

MELBOURNE: GEORGE ROBERTSON; AND SOLD BY ALL 

BOOKSELLERS. 

1872. 



I17Z 



387270 
'29 



ENTERED IN STATIONERS' HALL, ACCORDING TO THE LATE ACT. 



DUBLIN: PRINTED BY ALEXANDER THOM, 87 & 88, ABBEY- STREET. 



PREFACE. 



The substance of the Preface to the First Edition of 

this little work will be found in the Introductory 

. Observations, commencing page 9. See also page 54. 

SECOND EDITION. 

In issuing the Second Edition of this little work to the 
public, the author is happy to observe that it has been 
found, upon trial, by several intelligent and experienced 
instructors of youth, to answer the purpose for which 
he intended it, namely, a short and easy road to the 

DIFFICULTIES OF ORTHOGRAPHY. 

The etymological part of the work has, as he ex- 
pected, been found novel, interesting, and useful. By 
referring to it, the reader will find that the author 
has attempted to apply to the English language the 
principles which guided him in his dictionary of 
derivations. 

TWENTY-THTTiD EDITION. 

The present edition of " The Spelling-book Super- 
seded " has been so much enlarged and improved that 
it may now be regarded as almost a new work. To 
effect this the Stereotype Plates, though in good condi- 



VI PREFACE. 

tion, were broken up ; and to render further additions 
and improvements more practicable, the type will in 
future be kept standing. 

This little work will, therefore, be more worthy of 
the favour which has been shown to it by the public ; 
and as it will continue to be sold at the same price as 
heretofore, it will, it is expected, drive out of the mar- 
ket those spurious editions of it, which have been 
printed and stereotyped in Canada without the permis- 
sion of the author. Some of the Canadian Publishers 
seem not to know that there is such an Act on the 
Statute Book, as the 5 & 6 Yict., cap. 45. 

SEVENTIETH EDITION. 

A complete collection of the Latin and Greek Boots 
which have enriched the English Language most has 
been added to this Edition, See page 156. 

K. S. 
Dublin February, 1861. 

ONE HUNDRED AND FORTY-FIRST 
EDITION. 

Owing to the unprecedented circulation of this Book 
(719,000 copies having been printed and sold within the 
last nine years) the Publishers have had the present 
Edition set up in new type, and, printed on superior paper. 
The Work has been carefully revised, without altering 
the paging, 
Dublin, October, 1870. 



CONTENTS. 



Page 

Introductory Observations — Opinion of Miss Edgeworth, 
and other eminent Educationists, .... 9 

English Verbal Distinctions — Class I. — Words pronounced 

exactly alike, but differing in Spelling and Signification, 19 
Sentences for Dictation, . . . . .31 

Class II. — Words pronounced nearly alike, but differing in 
Spelling and Signification, , . . . .37 

Sentences for Dictation, . . . . .40 

Class III.— Words frequently confounded by incorrect 
speakers, though differing in Pronunciation, Spelling, and 
Meaning, . . . . . .43 

Sentences for Dictation — Words for Exercise, . .45 

Class IV, — Words similarly Spelled, but differently Pro- 
nounced and Applied, . . . . .46 

Sentences for Dictation, . . . . .53 

Class V. — Words Spelled and Pronounced alike, but differ- 
ing in Meaning or Application — Extract from Edge- 
worth's Practical Education, . . . .54 

Words for Exercise, . . . . . .74 

Exercises in Orthography — Irregular Sounds — Silent Let- 
ters, . . . . . . .75 

Regular and Irregular Sounds promiscuously arranged for 
Exercise, ....... 82 

Words ending in le and re — Double-sounding Consonants- 
Exercises, . . . . . . .84 

Practical Rules for Spelling — Exercises on each Rule and 
the Exceptions to it promiscuously arranged, . 87 



Vlll CONTENTS. 

Page 
Sentences for Dictation — Words erroneously Spelled, . 101 
Collection of Words of Unsettled Orthography, . .103 

Orthoepy, or the Correct Pronunciation of Words — Ex- 
tract from " Bosweli's Life of Johnson," . . . 107 
Practical Rules for Pronunciation, . . . .110 

Examples of Irish Vulgarisms, . . . .118 

Examples of English Vulgarisms, . . . .120 

Difficult and Irregular Words, . . . .122 

A Collection of the most Difficult Words in the Language, 
so arranged as to afford a Practical Exercise in Pronun- 
ciation as well as in Spelling, . . . ,131 
Derivation — Affixes and Prefixes — Latin, Greek, and Eng- 
lish or Anglo-Saxon, . . . . .143 

Latin Roots traced through their English Derivatives, . 152 
A Collection of the Latin and Greek Roots which have en- 
riched the English language most, . . .156 
Celtic and Anglo-Saxon Roots, . . ■ . .203 
English Etymologies, . . . . . .209 

Synonymes — Extract from Blair's Lectures, . 229 

Synonymous Terms, collected and arranged, . .235 

Specimens of what might be called Duplicate Words, . 246 

On the choice of Prepositions, . . . .247 

Examples for Exercise, ..... 248 

Latin and Greek Words and Phrases explained, . . 249 

French and Foreign Phrases pronounced and explained, . 255 
Abbreviations, . . . . . .260 

Directions for Addressing Persons of every Rank, both in 
Writing and Speaking, . . . . .262 

Appendix, containing a Collection of Proverbs and Precepts, 265 



INTRODUCTORY OBSERVATIONS 

ON THE 

NEW AND IMPEOVED METHOD 

OF 

TEACHING ORTHOGRAPHY. 



The attention of Teachers and Parents is requested 
to the following observations : — 

OKTHOGRAPHY. 

Teachers, instead of occupying the time of their 
pupils in the useless drudgery of committing to 
memory the uninteresting and endless columns of 
a dictionary or spelling-book, are strongly recom- 
mended to adopt the improved method of teaching 
orthography, namely by dictation. It is simply 
this : the teacher reads a sentence from a book, or 
dictates one composed by himself, to the pupils, 
who either write it dowm verbatim, or merely spell 
the words as they occur, as if they were writing 
them down. This practical plan of teaching 
orthography, does not, however, entirely supersede 
the use of spelling-books. There should at least 
be a text-book on the subject, which the pupil may 
be made to consult, when necessary, and to which 

A3 



10 EXERCISES OK ORTHOGRAPHY, 

even the teacher may occasionally refer with ad- 
vantage. This text-book should contain either in 
columns, or in sentences formed for dictation, all 
the words in the language which are liable to be 
misspelled, such as : 

1. Words similarly pronounced, but differently 
spelled. 

2. Words similarly spelled, but differently pro- 
nounced and applied. 

3. Words spelled and pronounced alike, but 
differing in signification. 

4. Words liable to be misspelled, either from the 
silence or unusual sound of one or more letters. 

5. All words of unsettled orthography. 

6. Practical rules for spelling. 

These words, or sentences in which they occur, 
should be dictated to the pupils, who should either 
spell, or, if they are competent, write down the 
entire sentence on their slates. The latter mode 
is preferable, as it is only by writing that a prac- 
tical and perfect knowledge of orthography can be 
attained. 

In the absence 1 of a text-book, containing the 
difficulties of orthography, the teacher must have 
recourse to the reading books. Let him make his 
pupils spell and explain the words at the head of 
each lesson, before commencing to read it ; and 
after the lesson is over, let him direct them to close 



1 And even in connexion with such a text-book this plan should 
be used. 



ETYMOLOGY, AND VERBAL DISTINCTIONS. 11 

their books, and spell any word or sentence he may- 
select from it. 

The practical superiority of such a plan is obvious. 
For the language of letters, and of composition, in 
general, consists of such combinations of words as 
occur in the pages of a reading-book — not of words 
syllabically and alphabetically arranged, as we see 
in the columns of a spelling-book. Let the reader 
who may be disposed to dissent, dictate in the 
manner recommended, a few familiar sentences to 
a young person who has learned orthography from 
the columns of his spelling-book only, and, unless 
we are greatly mistaken, the inferiority of the old 
plan will be evinced by the erroneous spelling of 
some, perhaps of the easiest and most familiar 
words. 1 

But how, it may be inquired, are children, 
without dictionaries or spelling-books, to learn the 
meaning of words ? By being accustomed to give, 



1 The sound or pronunciation of a word will not enable us to 
spell it, because, as we have seen, the same sounds are often re- 
presented by different signs or letters. The words meet, mete, and 
meat, for example, are spelled differently, though the sound or 
pronunciation of each is the same. To spell a word correctly, 
therefore, we must be well acquainted with it. We must know its 
meaning or signification, and the identical letters which compose 
it. The sound of it is not sufficient ; we must know how it looks : 
and this the eye will enable us to do, for, as has been well said by 
an American writer, " the eye in such cases may be said to re- 
member." Hence, when we are in doubt as to which of two ways 
a word should be spelled, it is a §ood rule to write down both, 
and the eye will enable us to decide which is correct. Hence, 
too, persons that write or even read much are, in general, correct 
spellers ; for their eyes are so well acquainted with the form or 
appearance of the words, that they can at once detect the errors 
which arise from wrong or omitted letters. 



12 EXERCISES ON ORTHOGRAPHY, 

in their own language, their own ideas of every 
unusual and important word which occurs in their 
reading lessons; the teacher, of course, correcting 
them when wrong, and explaining to them, when 
necessary, the proper meaning of the term in ques- 
tion; or referring them for this information to their 
dictionaries, which should always be at hand for 
this, their legitimate use. 

In confirmation of the recommendations here 
made we subjoin the opinions of the Edge worths 
and of other eminent educationists on the subject 
of spelling and spelling-books. 

" Spelling comes next to reading. New trials for the tem- 
per ; new perils for the understanding ; positive rules ; and 
arbitrary exceptions ; endless examples and contradictions ; 
till at length, out of all patience with the stupid docility of 
his pupil, the tutor perceives the absolute necessity of mak- 
ing him get by heart with all convenient speed every word 
in the language. The formidable columns rise in dread suc- 
cession. Months and years are devoted to the undertaking ; 
but after going through a whole spelling-book, perhaps a 
whole dictionary, till we come triumphantly to spell Zeugma, 
we have forgotten how to spell Abbot, and we must begin 
again with Abasement. Merely the learning to spell so many 
unconnected words, without any assistance from reason or 
analogy, is nothing compared with the difficulty of learning 
the explanation of them by rote, and the still greater diffi- 
culty of understanding the meaning of the explanation. When 
a child has got by rote — 

Midnight, the depth of night ; 

Metaphysics, the science vhich treats of immaterial beings, 
and of forms in general abstracted from matter; 

has he acquired any very distinct ideas either of midnight or 
of metaphysics? If a boy had eaten rice pudding till he 
fancied himself tolerably well acquainted with rice, would he 



ETYMOLOGY, AND VEHBAL DISTINCTIONS. 13 

find his knowledge much improved by learning from his spell- 
ing-book the words 

" Rice, a foreign esculent grain ? 

yet we are surprised to discover, that men have so few accu- 
rate ideas, and that so many learned disputes originate in a 
confused or improper use of words. 

" l All this is very true,' says a candid schoolmaster ; ' we 
see the evil, but we cannot new-model the language, or write 
a perfect philosophical dictionary ; and in the meantime we 
are bound to teach children to spell, which we do with the less 
reluctance, because though we allow that it is an arduous task, 
we have found from experience that it can be accomplished, 
and that the understandings of many of our pupils survive 
all the perils to which you think them exposed during the 
operation.' 

" Their understandings may, and do survive the operation ; 
" but why should they be put in unnecessary danger ; and why 
should we early disgust children with literature by the pain 
and difficulty of their first lessons ? We are convinced that 
the business of learning to spell is made much more laborious 
to children than it need to be: it may be useful to give them 
five or six words every day to learn by heart, but more only 
loads their memory ; and we should at first select words of 
which they know the meaning, and which occur most fre- 
quently in reading or conversation. The alphabetical list of 
words in a spelling-book contains many which are not in 
common use, and the pupil forgets these as fast as he learns 
them. We have found it entertaining to children, to ask 
them to spell any short sentence as it has been accidentally 
spoken. ' Put this book on that table.' Ask a child how he 
would spell those words if he were obliged to write them 
down, and you introduce into his mind the idea that he must 
learn to spell before he can make his words and thoughts un- 
derstood in writing. It is a good way to make children write 
down a few words of their own selection every day, and 
correct the spelling ; and also after they have been reading, 
whilst the words are yet fresh in their memory, we may ask 
them to spell some of the words which they have just seen ; 
by these means, and by repeating at different times in the 



14 EXERCISES ON OttTHOGRAPHTT, 

day those words which, are most frequently wanted, his voca^ 
bnlary will be pretty well stocked without its having cost 
him many tears. We should observe that children learn to 
spell more by the eye than by the ear ; and that the more 
they read and write, the more likely they will be to remem- 
ber the combination of letters in words which they have con- 
tinually before their eyes, or which they feel it necessary to 
represent to others. When young people begin to write, they 
first feel the use of spelling, and it is then that they will 
learn it with most ease and precision. Then the greatest care 
should be taken to look over their writing, and to make them 
correct every word in which they have made a mistake ; be- 
cause bad habits of spelling, once contracted, can scarcely be 
cured : the understanding has nothing to do with the business ; 
and when the memory is puzzled between the rules of spelling 
right, and the habits of spelling wrong, it becomes a misfor- 
tune to the pupil to write even a common letter. The shame 
which is annexed to bad spelling excites young people's atten- 
tion, as soon as they are able to understand that it is consi- 
dered as a mark of ignorance and ill-breeding. We have 
often observed, that children listen with anxiety to the re- 
marks that are made on this subject in their presence, espe- 
cially when the letters or notes of grown-up people are criticised. 
" Some time ago, a lady who was reading a newspaper, 
met with a story of an ignorant magistrate, who gave for 
his toast at a public dinner ' the two K's.' for the King and 
Constitution. ' How very much ashamed the man must 
have felt, when all the people laughed at him for his mis- 
take ! they must all have seen that he did not know how to 
spell ; and what a disgrace for a magistrate too!' said a boy 
who heard the anecdote. It made a serious impression upon 
him ; a few months afterwards he was employed by his 
father in an occupation which was extremely agreeable to 
him, but in which he continually felt the necessity of spelling 
correctly. He was employed to send messages by a tele- 
graph ; these messages he was obliged to write down hastily 
in little journals kept for the purpose ; and as these were seen 
by several people when the business of the day came to be 
reviewed, the boy had a considerable motive for ortho- 
graphical exactness. He became extremely desirous to teach 
himself, and consequently his success was from that moment 



ETYMOLOGY, AND VERBAL DISTINCTIONS. 15 

certain. As to the rest, we refer to Lady Carlisle's Compre- 
hensive maxim, ' Spell well — if you can.' " 

The following is from " Wood's Account of the 
Edinburgh Sessional School :" — 

" In the Sessional School the children are now taught to 
spell from their ordinary reading lessons, employing for this 
purpose both the short and the long words as they occur. 
Under the former practice in the school, of selecting merely 
what are longer and apparently more difficult words, we very 
frequently found the pupils unable to spell the shorter and 
more common ones, which we still find by no means un- 
common in those who come to us from some other schools. By 
making the pupil, too, spell the lesson, just as he would 
write it, he is less liable to fall in future life into the com- 
mon error of substituting the word their for there, and others 
of a similar kind. In former times the practice prevailed 
of telling a long story about every word which was spelt : 
thus, in spelling the word exemplification, for instance, even 
a child in the higher classes used to say, 'ear, ex; em, em, 
exem , pli, pie, exemple ; fi, f e, exemplef e ; c a, ca, exem- 
plefeca ; tion, shun, exemplef ecashun ; six syllables, and 
accented on the penult syllable.' This, obviously, as a 
general practice, was a great waste of time, and is, we be- 
lieve, almost universally exploded. In our own school, the 
pupil, in spelling, merely names the letters, making a marked 
pause at the end of each syllable." 

The following extract is from " Thayer's Lecture 
on Spelling and Definitions" (delivered before the 
American Institute of Instruction) : ! — 

" I have said nothing of the practice, once so common, of 
assigning lessons in spelling and defining from the columns 
of a dictionary, sweeping through the whole, from the letter 
A to the last word under Z — if the pupil continued long 
enough at school to accomplish it, — for I cannot suppose 



1 Published by Knight in u The Schoolmaster.'' 



16 EXERCISES ON ORTHOGRAPHY, 

it to have come down to this day. If it has, however, I 
should feel impelled to pronounce it one of the most stupid 
and useless exercises ever introduced into a school — com- 
pared with which, the ' committing to memory' indiscrimin- 
ately of all the pages of an almanac would be agreeable, 
beneficial, and instructive. 

" To say that it would be impossible to remember the defi- 
nitions thus abstractedly learned, would be to assert what 
must be perfectly obvious to every one. And even if they 
could be remembered, they would be of little utility ; for as 
the right application of a definition must depend entirely on 
the situation of the word to be explained and the office it 
performs in a sentence, the repeating of half a score of mean- 
ings as obscure perhaps as the word itself, conveys no 
definite thought, and serves rather to darken than illuminate 
the mind. 

" As a book of reference a dictionary is useful, although it 
must be confessed that, even with the best, one often finds 
himself obliged to make his own explanation, in preference to 
any furnished by the lexicographer ; and the teacher or the 
pupil who relies exclusively on his dictionary, without the 
exercise of much discretion, for the definition of ^ whatever 
words he may find in the course of his studies, will not un- 
frequently fall into very awkward and absurd mistakes. 

" Experience and common sense must lend their aid — the 
former to teach us what is practicable ; and the latter, what is 
appropriate and useful." 

The following extracts are from two other excel- 
lent American works on Education, the " Teacher's 
Manual" and " The School and the Schoolmaster." 

" In the old-fashioned school a vast deal of time is spent 
to very little purpose, in the acquisition of spelling ; it being 
commonly found, that the most adroit speller in the class 
cannot write half a dozen lines without orthographical blun- 
ders. What can be the cause of so signal a failure, with such 
an appearance of proficiency? The subject well deserves ex- 
amination. 

" The columns of the spelling-book are committed to me- 
mory ; and, when the student can spell the whole orally, he 



ETYMOLOGY, AND VERBAL DISTINCTIONS. 17 

takes it for granted that he is a proficient in orthography. 
But this by no means follows ; for the number of words in the 
largest spelling-book does not exceed seven thousand, whereas 
there are upwards of eighty thousand words in the English 
language. 

" The words in the spelling-book are selected and arranged, 
chiefly with a view to teach the elements of reading ; and it 
does not contain half the anomalies of orthography. Indeed, 
the greatest number of these anomalies occur in the words in 
most common use, few of which are to be found in any spell- 
ing-book." 



" It is found, by experience, that spelling well orally, and 
writing orthographicaily, are really different acquirements; 
and that a child, very expert in the former, may be very de- 
ficient in the latter. Nothing can show, more strikingly, the 
folly of the oral method of teaching spelling, than this fact, 
the truth of which is now generally acknowledged. Of the 
generation now on the stage of life, whose education has been 
confined to the district school, although, at least, one-third of 
their time was spent in drilling from the spelling-book, not 
one in ten can write a letter of even a few lines without blun- 
dering in orthography. 

" An excellent plan of teaching spelling is, to give out 
sentences to be written containing the difficult words, or, rather, 
to give out the words, and require the pupil to make sentences 
including them. They thus become fixed in the memory so as 
never to be erased. The objection that will be made to this 
course is the time which it takes. When, however, it is con- 
sidered that by this exercise not only is spelling taught, but 
writing and composition, and all of them in the way in which 
they ought to be taught, that is, in the way in which they will 
be used, the objection loses its weight. As spelling is usually 
taught, it is of no practical use ; and every observer must have 
met with many instances of persons who had been drilled in the 
columns of spelling-books and dictionaries for years, who mis- 
spelt the most common words in the language as soon as they 
were set to write them." 

Notwithstanding all that has been said and 
written against the old and absurd practice of load- 



18 EXERCISES ON ORTHOGRAPHY, ETC. 

ing the memory of children, day after day, and 
year after year, with heaps of unconnected, and to 
them, unmeaning words, many teachers, particu- 
larly of schools in remote districts, continue to use 
spelling-books and dictionaries " in the old way." 
And even in some schools of a superior class the 
practice is persevered in because, as the teachers 
will tell you, the parents of the children like to see 
them thumbing over their "spellings and meanings" 
in the evenings at home. Besides, as we have 
heard an intelligent and candid teacher, who ad- 
mitted the absurdity of the practice, say, "It is an 
easy way^/br the teacher of keeping the children 
employed." Now this we admit, for however great 
the difficulty and drudgery may be to the children, 
it is doubtless an easy way for the teacher of keep- 
ing them employed. 

That spelling may be learned more easily and 
more effectually without spelling-books must be 
evident from what we have said and quoted. And 
that a person may learn to spell without ever 
having had a spelling-book in his hand, is equally 
certain ; for in teaching Latin, French, or any other 
foreign language, there are no spelling-books used ; 
nor is the want of such a book ever felt. Nor do 
we ever hear that the persons who learn any of 
these languages find any difficulty in writing, that 
is, in spelling the words. 



19 



ENGLISH VERBAL DISTINCTIONS. 



" It is a shame for a man to be so ignorant of this little art, as to be 
perpetually confounding words of like sound and different signification; 
the consciousness of which defect makes some men, otherwise of good 
learning and understanding, averse to writing even a common letter." — 
Franklin. 



CLASS FIRST. 

WORDS PRONOUNCED EXACTLY ALIKE, BUT DIFFERING IN 
SPELLING AND SIGNIFICATION. 

{The first word in each case indicates the pronunciation.] 



Adds, does add, joins. 
Adze, a cooper's axe. 

Ale, strong beer. 

Ail, to feel pain or grief. 

Air, the atmosphere. 

Ayr, a town in Scotland. 

Ere, before. 

E'er, ever. 

Heir, one that inherits. 

All, the whole, every one. 
Awl, an instrument for boring 
holes in leather. 

An, the article. 

Ann, a woman's name. 

Ant, an emmet, an insect. 
Aunt, a father or mother's sister. 

Anti, against or opposite (as in 

antipathy and antipodes). 
Ante, before (as in antecedent). 

Arc, part of the circumference 

of a circle ; an arch. 
Ark, a chest or coffer ; the vessel 

in which Noah was preserved. 



Ascent, the act of ascending; 

the rising of a hill. 
Assent, to agree or consent to. 

Ate, did eat. 
Eight, twice four. 

Aught, any thing. 

Ought, what one should do. 

Bad, ill, wicked, worthless. 
Bade, did bid. 

Bale, a package of goods. 
Bail, surety for another's appear- 
ance in court. 

Baize, a kind of cloth. 
Bays, the plural of Bay, the 
laurel-tree ; a garland. 

Ball, anything of a round or glo- 
bular form ; an entertainment 
of dancing. 

Bawl, to cry or shout out. 

Bate, to abate or lessen. 
Bait, a lure for fishes. 



20 



VERBAL DISTINCTIONS. 



Bare, naked ; did bear. 
Bear, a wild beast ; to carry ; to 
suffer ; to produce as fruit. 

Bark, the rind of a tree ; to peel ; 

to make a noise like a dog. 
Barque, a small ship. 

Base, the lowestpart; low, mean. 
Bass, a low deep sound in music. 

Bay, a term in geography; a 

tree ; a colour ; to bark. 
Bey, a Turkish Governor. 

Beech, a kind of tree. 
Beach, the shore, the strand. 

Been, participle of Be. 
Bean, a kind of pulse. 

Beet, a kind of vegetable. 
Beat, to strike ; to throb. 

Bow, an instrument to shoot 
arrows ; a kind of knot. 

Beau, a fashionably-dressed per- 
son, a fop ; an admirer. 

Bee, an insec 
Be, to exist. 

Beer, malt liquor. 
Bier, a frame for bearing or car- 
rying the dead to interment. 

Bell, a hollow sounding vessel. 
Belle, a gay or fashionably- 
dressed young lady. 

Berry, a small fruit. 
Bury, to inter ; to conceal. 

Birth, coming into life. 
Berth, sleeping-place in a ship. 



Bight, a coil or turn of a rope; 
a bay (as the Bight of Benin). 
Bite, to seize with the teeth. 

Blew, did blow. 
Blue, a colour. 

Bore, to perforate or make a 
hole in ; to annoy ; did bear. 
Boar, the male swine. 

Bough, a branch of a tree. 
Bow, to bend, to stoop ; an act 
of reverence or courtesy. 

Borne, carried or supported. 
Bourn, a limit or boundary. 

Brays, as an ass; pounds or 

bruises, as in a mortar. 
Braze, to solder with brass. 

Brake, a thicket of brambles. 
Break, to part or burst by force ; 
to infringe ; to violate. 

Bred, brought up. 
Bread, food made of corn. 

Broach, a spit ; to pierce. 
Brooch, an ornamental pin. 

Brews, does brew. 

Bruise, to crush ; a contusion. 

Brute, a beast. 

Bruit, to noise abroad ; a report. 

Burrow, rabbit holes. 
Borough, a corporate town. 

But, except, nevertheless. 
Butt, a cask ; a mark to aim at ; 
to thrust with the head. 



CLASS FIRST. 



21 



By, near, beside, &c. 
Buy, to purchase. 

Call, to name, to invoke; to 

make a short visit. 
Caul, the network of a wig. 

Cane, a reed ; a walking-stick. 
Cain, Abel's brother. 

Cannon, a great gun. 
Canon, a law or rule of the 
church ; an ecclesiastic. 



Cast, to throw. 
Caste, a tribe ; a class. 



Cask, a barrel. 
Casque, a helmet. 

Cereal, pertaining to corn or 

grain. 
Serial, pertaining to a series. 

Ceiling, of a room. 
Sealing, as with wax. 

Cession, a giving up or yielding. 
Session, a sitting; the time of 
sitting. 

Chagrin, vexation, ill-humour. 

Shagreen, the skin of a kind of 
fish, or a species of leather 
made rough in imitation of it. 

Check, to restrain; checkered 

linen or cotton. 
Cheque, an order for money. 



Chair, a movable seat. 
Char, to work by the day. 

Chews, grinds with the teeth. 
Choose, to select ; to prefer. 

Cord, a string or rope. 
Chord, the string of a musical 
instrument. 

Chuff, a blunt, clownish person. 
Chough, a kind of sea-bird. 

Cit, a citizen. 
Sit, to be seated. 

Cite, to summon. 
Site, situation, position. 
Sight, the sense of seeing, the 
thing seen ; a look, a show. 

Clarke, a surname. 
Clerk, a clergyman; a man of 
letters ; an accountant. 

Claws, plural of Claw. 
Clause, part of a sentence. 

Clime, climate, region. 
Climb, to mount or ascend. 

Coarse, not fine, gross. 
Corse, 1 a dead body. 
Course, a running ; career. 

Cobble, to mend coarsely. 
Coble, a fishing boat. 

Cole, cabbage. 
Coal, for burning. 



i Corse is a poetic word for Corpse, 



22 



VERBAL DISTINCTIONS. 



Complement, the full number. 
Compliment, an act or expres- 
sion of civility ; to natter. 

Coquette, a flirt. 

Coquet, to act like a coquette. 

Core, the heart or inner part. 
Corps, a body of soldiers. 

Coarser, more coarse. 
Courser, a swift horse. 

Cousin, a blood relation. 
Cozen, 1 to cheat. 

Creek, a narrow bay or inlet. 
Creak, to make a straining or 
grating noise. 

Crews, ships' companies. 
Cruise, to sail up and down in 
quest of an enemy. 

Cue, a hint to speak. 
Queue, the hair tied behind. 

Dam, the mother; a bank to 

confine water. 
Damn, to condemn. 

Day, the time between sunrise 

and sunset. 
Dey, a Moorish governor. 

Deer, an animal. 
Dear, costly ; beloved. 

Dane, a native of Denmark. 
Deign, to condescend. 

Dew, the vapour that falls after 

sunset. 
Due, what is owing. 



Die, to expire ; a small stamp 
used in coining ; the singular 
of Dice. 

Dye, colour, tinge. 

Discreet, prudent, cautious. 
Discrete, not concrete ; distinct. 

Doe, the female deer. 
Dough, unbaked paste. 

Dun, a dark yellow colour ; to 

importune for a debt. 
Done, performed. 

Dust, earth dried to powder. 
Dost, thou doest. 

Doze, to slumber. 
Does, the plural of Doe. 

Dram, a glass of spirits. 
Drachm, a small weight. 

Draft, a bill of exchange. 
Draught, a drawing ; a drink. 

Dying, expiring. 

Dyeing, colouring or tinging. 

Fane, a temple. 
Fain, desirous. 
Feign, to dissemble. 

Faint, to swoon ; languid. 
Feint, a pretence. 

Fare, food ; price of passage. 
Fair, handsome ; just or right; 
a large market. 



1 Cozen. — This word is nearly obsolete. It seems formed from 
the low word chouse, to cheat {chouseri). 



CLASS FIBST. 



23 



Fate, destiny. 
Fete, a festival. 

Faun, a sylvan deity. 
Fawn, a young deer ; to natter 
meanly, to cringe. 

Feet, the plural of Foot. 
Feat, a deed or exploit. 

Fellow, an associate; a match. 
Felloe, the rim of a wheel. 

Feud, a quarrel, a grudge. 
Feod, a freehold. 

Fillip, a jerk or blow with the 
finger let go from the thumb. 
Philip, a man's name. 

Flee, to run away. 
Flea, an insect 

Flew, did fly. 

Flue, a pipe ; a chimney. 

Fool, an idiot ; a foolish person. 
Full, replete, filled. 

Fore, in front. 
Four, in number. 

Fort, a fortified place. 
Forte, what a person knows, or 
can do best. 

Forth, forward, out. 
Fourth, the ordinal of Four. 

Foul, dirty, unfair. 
Fowl, a bird. 

Frays, broils, quarrels. 
Phrase, an expression or short 
sentence, 



Freeze, to congeal. 
Frieze, a term in architecture *, 
coarse woollen cloth. 



Fungus, a mushroom, a toad- 
stool ; a spongy excrescence. 
Fungous, excrescent, spongy. 

Furs, skins with soft hair. 
Furze, prickly shrubs. 

Gage, a pledge or pawn. 
Gauge, to measure. 



Gall, bile, rancour. 

Gaul, ancient name of France. 



Gate, a door or entrance. 
Gait, manner of walking. 

Gild, to overlay or adorn with 

leaf gold. 
Guild, a corporation. 



Gilt, adorned with gold. 
Guilt, crime, wickedness. 



Glare, dazzling light. 
Glair, the white of an egg. 



Gore, clotted blood ; to stab or 

pierce with horns. 
Goar, a slanting piece inserted 

to widen a garment. 



Grate, for holding fire ; to rub 
against a rough surface ; to act 
harshly on the feelings. 

Great, large, grand. 



24 



VEBBAL DISTINCTIONS. 



Grater, a rasp or rough file. 
Greater, comparative of Great. 

Greece, a country. 
Grease, melted fat. 

Grieves, laments ; causes grief. 
Greaves, armour for the legs. 

Grizzly, somewhat gray. 
Grisly, hideous, horrible. 

Groan, to sigh deeply. 
Grown, increased in growth. 

Grocer, a dealer in tea, &c. 
Grosser, comparative of Gross. 

Grot, a grotto or cell. 
Groat, fourpence. 

Hale, strong, healthy. 
Hail, frozen rain; to salute or 
wish health to. 

Hare, an animal. 
Hair, of the head. 

Hall, a large room. 
Haul, to pull or drag. 

Hart, a kind of stag. 
Heart, the seat of life. 

Heel, the hind part of the foot. 
Heal, to cure ; to grow sound. 
He'll, for he will. 

Here, in this place. 
Hear, to hearken. 

Herd, a collection of cattle. 
Heard, did hear. 



Hew, to cut, to chop. 
Hue, a colour, dye. 
Hugh, a man's name. 

Hie, to go in haste. 
High, elevated, lofty. 

Him, objective case of He. 
Hymn, a divine song. 

Horde, a tribe ; a band. 
Hoard, a secret store. 

I, myself. 

Eye, the organ of sight. 

Idle, lazy ; unemployed. 

Idol, an image worshipped as a 

god. 
Idyl, a short pastoral poem. 

Isle, an island. 

Aisle, wing or side of a church. 

I'll, for I toill 

In, into. 
Inn, a hotel. 

Indite, to compose or write. 
Indict, to accuse. 

Jam, a conserve of fruit. 
Jamb, a leg or supporter. 

Jewry, Judea ; a place in a town 

where Jews reside. 
Jury, twelve men sworn to give 

a true verdict. 

Just, equitable ; fair. 
Joust, as in a tournament. 

Key, for a lock. 
Quay, a wharf or dock. 

Kill, to deprive of life. 
Kiln, a large stove. 



CLASS FIRST. 



25 



Lac, a kind of gum. 

Lack, to want ; need, want. 

Lacks, wants, needs. 
Lax, loose ; vague. 

Lade, to load. 

Laid, placed, deposited. 

Lancli, to cast as a lance. 
Launch, to push into the sea. 

Lane, a narrow passage. 
Lain, participle of Lie. 

Leaf, of a tree, book, &c. 
Lief, willingly, gladly. 

Led, conducted. 
Lead, a metal. 

Lee, the sheltered side. 
Lea, a meadow, a field. 

Leek, a kind of onion. 
Leak, to let in or out water. 

Levy, to raise, to collect. 
Levee, a morning visit. 

Limb, a member. 
Limn, to paint. 

Links, plural of Link. 
Lynx, a wild beast. 

Lo, look or behold. 
Low, not high, humble. 

Lone, alone, solitary. 
Loan, any thing lent. 

Lock, of a door. 
Loch, a lough or lake. 

Made, did make, finished. 
Maid, a girl or maiden. 



Male, the masculine kind. 
Mail, a bag for letters ; armour. 

Mane, the hair on the neck of a 

horse, &c. 
Main, principal, chief. 

Mantel, a chimney-piece. 
Mantle, a cloak ; a cover. 

Maze, an intricate place. 
Maize, Indian corn. 

Mark, an impression ; to note. 
Marque, a licence ; " Letters of 
Marque and Reprisal. 1 ' 

Marshal, the highest rank in the 
army ; a master of ceremo- 
nies ; to put in order. 

Martial, warlike. 

Mean, low ; a means or medium ; 

to intend or purpose. 
Mien, air, look, manner. 

Medal, a piece stamped in honor 

of some victory or event. 
Meddle, to interpose. 

Meed, reward, recompense. 
Mede, a native of Media. 
Mead, a meadow ; a drink made 
of honey. 

Meet, to come together ; to en- 
counter ; suitable, fit. 
Meat, animal food ; any food. 
Mete, to measure. 

Meter, a measurer. 
Metre, measure, verse. 

Mite, a very small insect. 
Might, strength, power. 

Mity, full of mites. 
Mighty, very powerful. 
B 



26 



VEBBAL DISTINCTIONS. 



Moan, to lament. 
Mown, mowed, cut down. 

Mote, a very small or minute 

particle of matter. 
Moat, a deep ditch or trench. 

Mule, a kind of ass. 
Mewl, to cry as a child. 

Muscle, a fleshy fibre. 
Mussel, a bivalve shellfish. 

Muse, to meditate ; one of the 

Nine Muses. 
Mews, cages or enclosures ; 

stabling ; a kind of sea-birds. 

Nap, a short sleep. 

Knap, a small protuberance. 

Naught, nothing ; worthless. 
Nought, not any thing. 

Nay, no, not. 
Neigh, as a horse. 

Nave, the middle part of a wheel 
Knave, a rogue. 

Need, want, necessity. 
Knead, to work dough. 

New, novel, fresh. 
Knew, did know. 

Night, time of darkness. 
Knight, a title of honour. 

Not, a word of denial. 
Knot, a tie ; a difficulty. 

No, not any. 

Know, to understand. 

None, no one. 
Nun, a religieuse. 



Nose, the organ of smell. 
Knows, understands. 

Ore, unrefined metal. 
Oar, for rowing with. 
O'er, over. 

Our, belonging to us. 
Hour, sixty minutes. 

Palate, the roof of the mouth. 
Pallet, a small mean bed. 
Palette, a painter's board. 

Pale, white, wan ; a stake ; an 

enclosure. 
Pail, a wooden vessel. 

Pane, a square of glass. 
Pain, ache ; uneasiness. 

Pare, to cut thinly. 
Pair, a couple. 
Pear, a fruit. 

Paul, a man's name. 

Pall, a cloak; a covering thrown 
over the coffin at funerals; to 
clog or become insipid. 

Pannel, a kind of rustic saddle. 
Panel, a square piece of board; 
a jury-roll. 

Pause, to stop ; a cessation. 
Paws, feet of a beast. 

Peace, quiet, rest. 
Piece, a part or portion. 

Peak, a point ; the top. 
Pique, to nettle or irritate with 

sharp words; to give offence ; 

a grudge or ill will ; to pride 

one's self on. 



CLASS FIRST. 



27 



Peel, rind or skin. 
Peal, a ring of bells. 

Peer, an equal, a nobleman. 
Pier, a mole or structure of 
stones projecting into the sea. 

Pencil, for writing with. 
Pensile, hanging, suspended. 

Place, locality ; rank. 
Plaice, a flat fish. 

Plane, a plain surface; a tool 
for making surfaces plain; the 
platanus or plane tree. 

Plain, smooth ; a level country. 

Plate, a flat piece of metal ; 
wrought silver ; a small shal- 
low dish to eat off. 

Plait, to fold ; to braid. 

Please, to give pleasure. 
Pleas, pleadings, excuses. 

Plum, a fruit ; £100,000. 

Plumb, a leaden weight at the 
end of a line, used by builders 
for ascertaining the perpen- 
dicularity of walls. 

Pole, a long staff; a measure of 
five yards and a half ; extre- 
mities of the earth's axis. 

Poll, the head; to take the votes 
at an election. 

Pore, a spiracle or small pas- 
sage for perspiration ; to look 
closely or intensely over. 

Pour, to empty out liquor. 



Practice, the habit of doing any 

thing ; a custom. 
Practise, to do habitually. 

Primmer, comparative of Prim. 
Primer, a first book. 

Pray, to supplicate. 
Prey, spoil, plunder. 

Prays, does pray. 
Praise, applause. 

Prize, a reward gained, booty 
to set a price on, to esteem. 

Pries, inspects closely and offi- 
ciously. 

Psalter, the book of Psalms. 
Salter,one who salts, or sells salt. 

Quarts, plural of Quart. 
Quartz, a species of mineral. 

Quire, 24 sheets of paper. 
Choir, a band of singers ; the 
place in which they sing. 

Rain, water from the clouds. 
Reign, to rule as a king. 
Rein, part of a bridle ; to check 
or control. 

Raise, to lift up ; to excite. 

Rays, beams of light. 

Raze, to level with the ground. 

Rap, to strike quickly. 
Wrap, to roll or fold round. 

Rapt, enraptured. 
Rapped, did rap. 
Wrapped, did wrap. 

Reed, a hollow, jointed stalk. 
Read, to peruse. 

b2 



28 



VERBAL DISTINCTIONS. 



Red, a colour. 
Read, did read. 

Reck, to care or heed. 
"Wreck, destruction, ruin ; 
shatter, to destroy. 



to 



Reek, smoke, vapour. 
Wreak, to execute vengeance. 

Rest, quiet, cessation. 
Wrest, to twist or wrench vio- 
lently from ; to distort. 

Rime, hoar frost. 
Rhyme, verses terminating with 
similar sounds. 

Ring, a round or circular figure ; 

to sound a bell. 
Wring, to twist ; to torture. 

Rite, a ceremony or observance. 

Right, straight ; just. 

Write, to express by letters ; to 

compose as an author. 
Wright, a workman. 

Rode, did ride. 
Road, a way or route. 

Roe, the female of the hart; 

the eggs of a fish. 
Row, a line, a rank ; to impel 

by means of oars. 

Rood, the cross ; the fourth part 

of an acre. 
Rude, untaught ; rough. 

Room, space ; an apartment. 
Rheum, catarrh or cold. 

Root, of a tree or plant. 
Route, road or way ; direction. 



Rose, a well-known flower. 
Rows, does row ; plural of Row. 
Roes, plural of Roe. 

Rote, words committed to me- 
mory, without regard to the 
meaning. 

Wrote, did write. 

Rot, to putrefy. 
Wrought, worked, made. 

Ruff, an article of dress. 
Rough, rugged, uneven. 

Rung, the past tense of ring. 
Wrung, the past tense of Wring. 

Rye, a kind of corn. 
Wry, crooked. 

Sale, selling ; the act of selling. 
Sail, of a ship ; a ship. 

Sane, sound, healthy. 
Seine, a river in Franca 

Satire, a poem censuring vice 
and folly ; severity of remark. 
Satyr, a sylvan deity. 

Scate, a kind of flat fish. 
Skate, a kind of shoe for sliding 
on ice. 

Seal, a stamp ; the sea calf. 
Ceil, to overlay the inner roof 
of a building or room. 

Seed, that which is sown. 
Cede, to yield, to give up. 

Seem, to appear. 

Seam, the line formed by sewing. 



CLASS FIRST. 



29 



Seas, the plural of Sea. 

Sees, beholds. 

Seize, to take by force. 

See, to perceive by the eye ; the 

diocese of a bishop. 
Sea, the ocean. 

Seen, beheld, observed. 
Scene, a view or prospect. 
Seine, a kind of fishing net. 

Sell, to give for a price. 
Cell, a cellar ; a hermit's hut. 

Sent, did send. 

Scent, a smell ; chase by smell. 

Cent., for centum, a hundred. 

Sere or Sear, dry ; withered ; to 
parch or dry up ; to cauterize. 
Cere, to cover with wax. 

Sheer, pure, unmixed. 
Shear, to clip or cut. 

Sign, a token, a symbol. 
Sine, a line in geometry. 

Signet, a small seal. 
Cygnet, a young swan. 

Sink, to descend. 

Cinque, old French for cinq, five. 

Sion, a Scripture mountain. 
Scion, a cutting, a sprout,a twig. 

Size, bulk, quantity ; a glutinous 

substance. 
Sighs, plural of Sigh. 
Sice, six at dice. 

Skull, the cranium, the head. 
Scull, a small boat, a small oar. 



Slight, weak, small, trivial ; to 

think little of, to neglect. 
Sleight, a dexterous trick. 

Slow, not swift ; dull. 
Sloe, a small wild plum. 

So, thus, in this manner. 
Sow, to scatter seed. 
Sew, to use a needle. 

Sole, the whole ; only ; the bot- 
tom of the foot ; a flat fish. 

Soul, the immortal part of man 
the spirit. 

Sore, any thing causing sorrow 
or pain; an injured or painful 
part ; an ulcer. 

Soar, to fly aloft. 

Staid, steady, sober, grave. 
Stayed, to stop, obstruct, or 
support. 

Stake, apost ; a wager ; a pledge 
Steak, a slice of broiled beef. 

Stare, to gaze on ; a starling. 
Stair, a step for ascending. 

Steel, iron refined and hardened 
Steal, to take by theft. 

Step, a pace ; a proceeding. 
Steppe, a barren plain or waste 

Stile, steps over a fence. 
Style, manner of writing. 

Strait, narrow; a narrow pas- 
sage ; a difficulty. 
Straight, right, direct. 



30 



VERBAL DISTINCTIONS. 



Sum, the amount or whole of 
any thing ; to add or cast up. 
Some, a part of any whole. 

Sun, the luminary of the day. 
Son, a male child. 

Sutler, one that follows an army 

and sells provisions. 
Subtler, comparative of Subtle. 

Sware, the old past tense of 

Swear. 
Swear, to declare or promise 

upon oath. 

Sweet, pleasing to the senses. 
Suite, retinue ; a set of rooms. 

Tacks, small nails. 
Tax, a rate or impost ; to charge 
or accuse. 

Tale, a story; number reckoned. 
Tail, the hinder or lower part. 

Tare, a weed that grows among 
corn ; an allowance in weight. 
Tear, to rend ; a rent. 

Tier, a row, a rank. 
Tear, water from the eye. 

Tease, to annoy, to comb wool. 
Teas, plural of Tea. 

Teem, to produce plentifully? 

to be full of ; to pour. 
Team, a yoke of horses or oxen. 

Time, measure of duration ; a 

proper season. 
Thyme, a kind of plant. 

There, in that place. 
Their, belonging to them, 



Threw, did throw. 
Through, from one end or side 
to the other ; by means of. 

Throne, a regal seat of state. 
Thrown, cast, projected. 

Throw, to cast, to fling. 
Throe, extreme pain, agony. 

To, noting motion towards ; 

addition. 
Too, overmuch ; also. 
Two, twice one ; a couple. 

Toe, of the foot. 
Tow, the coarse part of flax ; to 
pull along with a rope. 

Tun, a large cask; 252 gallons. 
Ton, a weight of 20 hundred. 

Travail, labour ; to toil. 
Travel, to make a journey or 
voyage. 

Tray, a broad shallow trough of 

wood or metal. 
Trey, three at cards or dice. 
Trait, a characteristic or feature. 

Use, to make use of. 
Ewes, plural of Ewe. 

Vane, a weathercock. 
Vain, empty, futile ; false. 
Vein, a blood-vessel. 

Vale, a valley. 

Vail, money given to servants ; 

to lower ; to yield. 
Veil, a cover to conceal the face. 

Wale, a projecting timber in a 
ship's side ; a rising part on 
the surface of cloth. 

Wail, to lament, to bewail. 



CLASS FIRST. 



31 



Wane, to grow less, to decline. 
Wain, a wagon. 

Waste, to consume uselessly ; a 
tract of uncultivated ground. 

Waist, the middle part of the 
human body. 

Wait, to stay, to tarry. 
Weight, heaviness ; importance. 

Ware, merchandise, goods. 
Wear, to use, to waste. 

Wave, of the sea ; to undulate. 
Waive, 1 to beckon ; to omit men- 
tioning, to defer, to relinquish. 

Way, a road, course, manner. 
Weigh, to try the weight of 
any thing, to ponder. 

Weald, a wold or wild, a forest. 
Wield, to sway, to govern. 



Wean, to deprive of the breast. 
Ween, to think, to imagine. 

Weather, state of the air. 
Wether, a sheep. 

Week, the space of seven days. 
Weak, feeble, infirm. 

Won, did win. 
One, in number. 

Wood, a forest ; timber. 
Would, past tense of Will. 

Yoke, a frame of wood for 
coupling oxen ; a [couple or 
pair ; bondage or slavery. 

Yolk, the yellow part of an egg. 

You, the plural of Thou. 
Yew, a kind of tree. 
Ewe, the female sheep. 

Your, belonging to you. 
Ewer, a small jug. 



SENTENCES FOR DICTATION. 

[The following sentences, and others similarly formed, should be dic- 
tated to the pupils, who should either spell every word as it occurs, or 
if they are competent, write down the entire sentence on their slates. ] 

Does any thing ail you ? My stomach is sick since I 
took that draught of ale. Water is preferable. 

The young heir has the air, mien, and even gait of 
his father. I heard this ere my arrival in Ayr ; and if 
e'er I return, I hope to find him following his father's 
footsteps. 

His awl was almost all the poor cobbler possessed. 

The ascent to the top is easy. I cannot assent to 
that opinion. 



l Waive is a different application of the verb wave, and it should 
be spelled in the same way. It properly means to reject or decline* 
by a waving motion of the hand. 



32 VEEBAL DISTINCTIONS. 

If you have aught against his character, you ought to 
state it before I employ him. 

The magistrate committed him to gaol for smuggling 
a bale of tobacco. His character too was so bad that 
no one offered to bail him. 

The bear seized him by the bare leg. I could not 
bear to look on. 

Parallel to the beach ran a row of beech trees. 

The carpenter having planed the board, bored several 
holes through it, and then threw it aside. 

John has given up his bow and arrows, and all his 
boyish amusements, and is beginning to set up for a 
beau. 

If you bury that berry it might grow. 

The crews of the ships sent to cruise on the coast of 
Africa, suffered greatly from sickness. 

The wind blew away my blue handkerchief. 

The storm has made that large bough bow to the 
earth. 

At eight o'clock, this morning, I ate a little bread, 
but nothing since. 

Which part of the wig do you call the caul ? 

Canon, an ordinance of the church, should be dis- 
tinguished from cannon, a piece of ordnance. 

He lost caste, and was cast out of his tribe. 

He beat me with a large beet root. 

He was borne to that country from whose bourn no 
traveller returns. 

The cinnamon when kindled sent forth a most fra- 
grant scent. 

Early in the next session of Parliament, the cession 
of territory was agreed upon. 

Though I threatened to cite him before a magistrate, 
he fixed upon a site, and began to build even in my 

si S ht - . ... 

His manners are coarse, and his conversation is, of 

course, similar. 



CLASS FIRST. 33 

He was a captain of a yeomanry corps, but he had 
a heart no bigger than the core of an apple. 

In running up the creek, the vessel struck the ground 
with such force that the timbers began to creak and 
strain. 

Conceiving that the old gentleman with the queue 
could give me a cue to the matter, I addressed him. 

The two deer which he bought and sent to me, were 
considered too dear. 

When you have done, saddle the dun pony. 

Did you bind the ewe to the yew-tree? 

The flue took fire, and the sparks flew about in all 
directions. 

The two fore- feet of that horse, and indeed the whole 
four, are badly formed. 

His gait is very awkward : he swings like a gate on 
its hinges. 

This shoe has taken the skin ofl my heel. Well, go 
to the apothecary, and he'll give you a plaster, which 
will soon heal it. 

This hale old fellow seems to care nothing for rain, 
hail, or snow : let us hail him. 

The fur of a hare is more like hair than down. 

He threw the javelin, and pierced the hart through 
the heart. 

The treasure, which he had taken such pains to amass 
and hoard up, was carried off by a horde of robbers. 

He made a hole, and put the whole of his money 
into it. 

In the little isle stand the ruins of an ancient church, 
the aisle of which is almost entire. 

Walking on the quay to-day, I lost the key of my 
watch. 

It must have been painful to witness the chagrin of 
poor Moses when he found that he had been imposed 
upon with regard to the u gross of green spectacles with 
silver rims and shagreen cases." 

b3 



34 VERBAL DISTINCTIONS* 

Lest they should seize and kill him, he concealed 
himself in a limekiln. 

You need not knead that dough any more. 

I saw a naughty boy beating a poor ass with a 
rough knotty stick. 

Lead the pony to the farrier's, and when you have 
led him there buy me some lead. 

His time was wholly taken up in holy and devout 
contemplations. 

I heard at the levee to-day that a new levy, both of 
men and money, is intended. 

Has the laundry- maid made up the clothes ? 

I sent the old coat of mail by the mail-coach, in 
charge of one of the male passengers. 

He seized the pony by the mane, and held with all 
his might and main. 

The Field Marshal has a very martial appearance. 

The flowery mead sends forth its meed of praise* 

It is not meet that we should meet again. 

Salt meat should be sparingly used, and as if by 
mete. 

You might have given your mite. 

I heard a moan among the new-mown hay. 

Just as I was about to say nay, the horse began to 
neigh. 

I will give you some of this silver ore, if you take 
your oar and row me o'er the ferry. 

Do yon see that pale-faced girl climbing over the 
pale, with a pail in her hand ? 

The pane cut my hand, and occasions me great pain. 

Did you ever see a person pare an apple or a pear 
with a pair of scissors ? 

The poor painter threw away his palette, and flung 
bimself upon his wretched pallet. 

Have you not even read of the Peak of Teneriffe ? 
I pique myself upon having seen it. Do not pique me 
by showing your superior knowledge* 



CLASS tflRStf. 35 

Do you mean pannel, a mean or rustic saddle ; or 
panel, a square of parchment, wood, or glass ? 

The carpenter with his plane, will soon make it 
smooth and plain. 

The pole of the coach struck against the poll of his 
head. 

Shall I place the plaice at the head of the table ? 

That gentleman standing on the pier, is a peer ox 
the realm. The sun begins to peer. 

I was on the rack, expecting every moment the ves- 
sel to become a wreck, but he seemed to reck not what 
happened. 

You are right in saying that rite means an observ- 
ance, and that wright means a maker ; as wheel- wright, 
ship-wright, mill-wright, and book- wright. Now write 
down or spell this sentence. 

When the funeral-bell began to ring, she began to 
weep and wring her hands. 

When I rowed him over the ferry, he mounted a 
horse, and rode along the new road. 

After sealing the letter, he stuck the wax against 
the ceiling of the room. 

So beautiful a scene I have never seen. 

So I stayed at home to sew my clothes, but John 
went to the field to sow the wheat. 

He did it by a manoeuvre or sleight of hand. Slight 
all such trickery. 

Sole partner of my soul. 

He stares at me, as I ascend the stairs. 

Before we reached the Strait of Gibraltar, we were 
in a great strait for want of water. On arriving there, 
the captain sent a boat straight ashore for some. 

The fox sat down upon his tail, and thus began his 
tale or story. 

He gave two pears to me too. 

A vane is not more changeable than that vain young 
man. There is, however, a vein of good humour in him. 



36 VERBAL DISTINCTION 

Is it time to transplant the thyme? 

Don't waste your money in buying fancy waistcoats* 

Wait for a moment till I ascertain the weight of 

this article. Unless you weigh it immediately, I must 

proceed on my way. 
^ He is still in a weakly state : his physician visits 

him weekly. 



EXEKCISES ON WORDS. 

[7b vary the exercise the teacher should occasionally spell and 
pronounce one of the words himself and then require the pupils 
to give its meaning; and also, the spelling and meaning of any 
other word similarly pronounced.} 

Arc, ark ; bad, bade ; bait, bate ; baize, bays ; base, 
bass ; beer, bier ; bell, belle ; bourn, borne ; brake, 
break ; burrow, borough. 

Cask, casque; check, cheque; chord, cord; chuff, 
chough ; claws, clause ; climb, clime , close, clothes ; 
complement, compliment ; cygnet, signet ; dram, drachm. 

Ewer, your; fain, fane, feign; faint,feint; feat, feet; 
fellow, felloe; fort, forte; foul, fowl; frays, phrase; 
freeze, frieze ; furs, furze ; gage, gauge ; gild, guild ; 
gilt, guilt. 

Gore, goar; grater, greater; grocer, grosser; grot, 
groat ; hall, haul ; hie, high ; him, hymn ; indict, indite ; 
jam, jamb; knave, nave. 

Lanch, launch; leak, leek; leaf, lief ; limb, limn; 
loan, lone ; maize, maze ; male, mail ; mane, main ; 
mantel, mantle ; marshal, martial ; mean, mien ; mead, 
meed, Mede. 

Meet, meat, mete ; meter, metre ; mite, might ; mity, 
mighty ; moan, mown ; mote, moat; mule, mewl"; muse, 
mews ; nap, knap ; naught, nought ; nay, neigh. 

Nave, knave; need, knead; new, knew; night, 
knight ; not, knot ; no, know ; none, nun, &c., &c. 



CLASS SECOND, 



3? 



CLASS SECOND. 



WORDS PRONOUNCED NEARLY ALIKE, 1 BUT DIFFERING IN 
SPELLING AND SIGNIFICATION. 

[In this class, the distinction between the pronunciation of thewords 
in each case should be taught as well as the difference of the 
spelling and meaning.'] 



Able, sufficient, competent. 
Abel, a man's name. 

Aloud, with a loud voice. 
Allowed (allow'd), did allow. 

Altar, of a church. 

Alter, to change ; to vary. 

Auger, a boring instrument. 
Augur, a soothsayer or diviner ; 
to predict by signs,to forebode. 

Bald, without hair. 
Bawled (bawl'd), did bawl. 

Barbary, a country of Africa. 
Barberry, a small wild fruit 
with barbs or spines. 

Board, a plank ; a table. 
Bored (bor'd), did bore. 

Bold, brave; daring; forward. 
Bowled (bowl'd), did bowl. 

Boy, a male child. 
Buoy, a floating mark. 

Braid, to weave or plait ; a plait. 
Brayed (bray'd), did bray. 



Brood, offspring ; progeny. 
Brewed (brew'd), did brew. 

Bridal, a wedding; nuptial. 
Bridle, for a horse. 

Britain, as Great Britain. 
Briton, a native of Britain. 

Calendar, an almanac. 
Calender, a hot press for giving 
a gloss to linens, calicoes, &o. 

Carat, a small weight. 
Caret, a mark in writing. 

Castor, the beaver; a beaver 

hat ; a kind of oil. 
Caster, one who casts; that out 

of which something is cast. 

Cellar, a ceil; a wine store. 
Seller, one who sells any thing. 

Censer, a pan to barn incense in. 
Censor, a corrector of morals; 
a licenser of the press. 



1 It is only in colloquial or careless speaking that. these words 
are pronounced " nearly alike." In almost every case there is a 
marked difference between their pronunciations. These differences 
and distinctions the learner must not only know, but also habituate 
himself to, if he wishes to become a correct speaker. 



38 



VERfeAL DISTINCTIONS. 



Choler, bile ; anger. 
Collar, the neck; something 
worn about the neck. 

Counsel, to advise; advice; a 

legal adviser. 
Council, an assembly or body 

for consultation. 

Counsellor, an adviser; a bar- 
rister or lawyer. 
Councillor, member of a council. 

Culler, one who culls or selects. 
Colour, as black, white, &c. 

Depositary, a storekeeper. 
Depository, a store or place in 
which things are deposited. 

Deviser, one who devises; a 

contriver; an inventor. 
Divisor, a term in arithmetic. 

Dire, dreadful ; dismal. 
Dyer, one who dyes. 

Find, to discover. 
Fined (nn'd), did fine. 

Flour, from meal. 
Flower, a blossom. 

Fur, skin with soft hair. 
Fir, a kind of tree. 

Galloon, a kind of lace, 
Galleon, a name given to a class 
of Spanish merchant ships. 

Gored (gor'd), did gore. 
Gourd, a plant like a melon. 



Guest, a visitor. 

Guessed (guess'd), did gtiess. 

Hire, wages ; recompense. 
Higher, more elevated. 

Hole, a hollow; a cavity. 
Whole, all ; the entire. 

Holy, sacred ; pure. 

Wholly, entirely ; completely. 

Lair, a wild beast's couch. 
Layer, one who lays ; that which 
is laid ; a stratum. 

Lessen, to make less. 

Lesson, a school task ; a precept. 

Liar, one who tells lies. 
Lyre, a musical instrument. 

Lien, a tie ; a claim. 
Lion, a wild beast. 

Load, a burden ; to lade. 
Lowed (low'd), did low. 

Lore, learning. 

Lower, more low ; to let down. 

Manner, method or way. 
Manor, a domain, a district. 

Mare, the female horse. 
Mayor, a chief magistrate. 

Medlar, a kind of fruit. 
Meddler, one who meddles. 

Metal, as gold, silver, &c. 
Mettle, spirit ; courage. 

Miner, a worker in mines* 
Minor, one under age. 



ClASS SECOND. 



39 



Mist, a iOg ; small rain. 
Missed (miss'd), did miss. 

More, in number or quantity. 
Mower, one that mows. 

Naughty, worthless ; wicked. 
Knotty, having knots. 

Ode, a lyric poem. 
Owed (ow'd), did owe. 

Otter, an amphibious animal. 
Ottar, oil of roses. 

Pact, a contract ; an agreement. 
Packed (pack'd), did pack. 

Pearl, a gem of great value. 
Peril, danger; denunciation. 

Pendant, something which 

hangs ; an earring. 
Pendent, hanging. 

Peter, a man's name. 
Petre, nitre, saltpetre. 

Pilot, one who steers a ship. 
Pilate, a man's name. 

Plaintiff, in a lawsuit. 
Plaintive, mournful. 

President, one that presides 
over an assembly, &c. 

Precedent, something done or 
said before; an example or 
rule for future times. 

Principal, chief; a chief or head ; 
money placed out at interest. 

Principle, a maxim; a funda- 
mental truth; a rule of action. 

Profit, gain ; advantage. 
Prophet, one who prophesies. 

Habbit, a well-known animal. 
Kabbet, a term in carpentry. 



Rapt, carried away; transported. 
Wrapped (wrapp'd), did wrap. 

Roar, as a lion, &c. 
Rower, one that rows. 

Rode, did ride. 

Rowed (row'd), did row. 

Side, the edge, the margin. 
Sighed (sigh'd), did sigh. 

Sailer, as a ship. 

Sailor, a seaman or mariner. 

Soared (soar'd), did soar. 
Sword, a weapon. 

Sold, did sell. 

Soled (sol'd), did sole 

Sower, one who sows seed. 
Sewer, one who sews cloth. 

Staid, steady ; grave. 
Stayed (stay'd), did stay. 

Stationary, remaining in one 

place ; not progressive. 
Stationery, pens,. paper, &c. 

Sucker, a young shoot. 
Succour, help ; to relieve. 

Symbol, a type ; a sign. 
Cymbal, a musical instrument. 

Tact, ready talent ; adroitness. 
Tacked (tack'd), did tack. 

Tide, the flow and ebb of the sea. 
Tied, did tie. 

Told, did tell. 

Tolled (toll'd), did toll. 

Tract, a region ; a pamphlet* 
Tracked (track'd), did track. 



40 



VERBAL DISTINCTIONS. 



Venus, the goddess of beauty. 
Venous, pertaining to the veins. 

Vial, a phial, or small bottle. 
Viol, a musical instrument. 

Wade, to walk through water. 
"Weighed (weigh'd) , did weigh. 

Ware, goods, merchandise. 
Where, in which place. 

Weal, happiness ; prosperity. 
Wheel, of a vehicle. 

Weigh, to try the weight of. 
Whey, the serous part of milk. 

Wet, to make wet ; to moisten. 
Whet, to sharpen; to make keen. 

Wicket, a small gate. 
Wicked, sinful ; vicious. 

Wig, for the head. 
Whig, a political name. 



Wight, a person ; a being* 
White, a colour. 

Wile, guile ; to beguile. 
While, time ; space of time. 

Win, to gain. 
Whin, gorse, furze. 

Wine, juice of the grape. 
Whine, like a dog. 

Wist, to think, to suppose. 
Whist, a game at cards. 

Witch, a sorceress. 
Which, a pronoun. 

Wither, to fade ; to dry up. 
Whither, to what place. 

Wot, to know ; to think. 
What, that which. 

Ye, you. 
Yea, yes. 



SENTENCES FOR DICTATION. 

I cannot reach to it with my arm ; but with my cane 
I shall be able. 

We are not allowed to speak aloud during business. 

He should not be permitted to alter either the 
appearance or the position of the altar. 

The ball struck him on the ear, and he began to bawl, 
as if it had been a bullet. In fact, he bawled so loud 
that old Stephen popped his bald head out of the win- 
dow to inquire what was the matter. 

He bored a hole through the board. 

One of the bridal party stepped forward, and caught 
my horse by the bridle. 



CLASS SECOND. 41 

Scotland is called North Britain, and therefore a 
Scotsman is a North Briton. 

He is a seller of old clothes, and he lives in a cellar. 

His choler was so vehement that he seized him by the 
collar in the presence of the by-standers. 

A member of the council suggested that they should 
take the opinion of counsel. 

The dyer said that this was dire news to him, for 
that he could no longer live by dyeing. 

By referring to the register, 1 find that he too was 
fined on two occasions. 

His guest guessed it without difficult}^. 

The hire of servants is higher in this country. 

He made a hole, and put the whole of his money in it. 

His time was wholly spent in holy contemplation. 

It is a legal lien that I have on his estate, not an 
African lion. 

He asserted that no lord of the manor ever acted 
in this manuer before. 

This horse, though made of metal, cannot be said to 
be a horse of mettle. 

A miner whom we met near the works, told us that 
theproprietor of the mines was a minor. 

The mist was so thick that I almost missed my way. 

I saw a naughty boy beating a poor ass with a rough 
knotty stick. 

The cobbler having soled the shoes, sold them to a 
pedlar for a trifle. 

He told the sexton, and the sexton tolled the bell. 

As I am not to be stationary here, I will not encum- 
ber myself with a large supply of stationery. 

The principal portion of the meeting approved of 
the principle. 

If an ode could have paid the debt which he owed, 
the poor poet would have been happy. 

The ship rode at anchor, and the boats from the 
shore rowed round her. 



42 VERBAL DISTINCTIONS. 

The sailor said that his ship was an excellent sailer. 

The president would not acquiesce in the arrange- 
ment, lest it might be made a precedent on some future 
occasion. 

EXERCISES ON WORDS. 

[To vary the exercise the teacher should occasionally spell and pro- 
nounce one of the words himself and then require the pupils to 
give its meaning; and also, the spelling, meaning, and exact 
pronunciation of any otJier word likely to be confounded with it.} 

Able, abel ; aloud, allowed ; altar, alter ; auger, 
augur ; bald, bawled ; Barbaiy, barberry ; board, 
bored ; bold, bowled ; braid, brayed ; brood, brewed ; 
bridal, bridle ; Britain, Briton. 

Calendar, calender ; carat, caret ; castor, caster ; 
cellar, seller ; censer, censor ; choler, collar ; counsel, 
council ; counsellor, councillor ; culler, colour. 

Depositary, depository; divisor, devisor; dire, dyer; 
find, fined ; flour, flower ; fur, fir ; gored, gourd ; 
guest, guessed. 

Hire, higher ; hole, whole ; holy, wholly ; lair, 
layer ; lessen, lesson ; liar, lyre ; lion, lien ; load, 
lowed ; lore, lower. 

Manner, manor ; mare, mayor ; medlar, meddler ; 
metal, mettle ; miner, minor ; mist, missed ; more, 
mower ; naughty, knotty. 

Ode, owed; otter, ottar; pact, packed; Peter, petre; 
pilot, Pilate; plaintiff, plaintive; president, precedent; 
principal, principle ; profit, prophet. 

Rabbit, rabbet ; rapt, wrapped ; roar, rower ; rode, 
rowed ; sailer, sailor ; soared, sword ; sold, soled ; 
sower, sewer ; staid, stayed ; stationary, stationery ; 
sucker, succour ; symbol, cymbal. 

Tact, tacked; tide, tied; told, tolled; tract, tracked ; 
Venus, venous"; vial, viol ; wade, weighed; ware, where ; 
weal, wheel ; weigh, whey ; wet, whet ; wicket, wicked ; 
wig, whig. 



CLASS THIRD. 



43 



CLASS THIRD. 



W0RBS FREQUENTLY CONFOUNDED BY INCORRECT SPEAKERS, 

THOUGH DIFFERING IN PRONUNCIATION, SPELLING, AND 

MEANING. 

[More words of this class will be found at pages 119 and 120 
under the head of " Vulgar Pronunciations."'] 



Accept, to take, to receive. 
Except, to take out, to object to. 

Access, approach, admittance. 
Excess, superfluity. 

Accede, to comply with. 
Exceed, to go beyond. 

Adherence, attachment to. 
Adherents, followers, partisans. 

Addition, something added. 
Edition, a publication. 

Advice, counsel ; instruction. 
Advise, to counsel ; to instruct. 

Affect, to act upon, to aim at. 
Effect, to bring to pass, to 
accomplish. 

Alley, a walk or passage. 
Ally, a confederate. 

Allusion, reference to. 
Illusion, false show, mockery. 

Apposite, fit, appropriate. 
Opposite, contrary. 

Assistance, help, relief. 
Assistants, helpers. 

Attendance, the act of waiting 

on, service. 
Attendants, persons who attend. 



Ballad, a simple song. 
Ballot, a little ball. 

Baron, a lord. 

Barren, sterile, not prolific. 

Cease, to stop, to leave off. 
Seize, to lay hold of. 

Currant, a small berry. 
Current, running or passing. 

Decease, death. 
Disease, a malady. 

Decree, to ordain ; an edict. 
Degree, a step, rank. 

Defer, to put off, to postpone. 
Differ, to disagree, 

Deference, respect, submission. 
Difference, disagreement. 

Device, a contrivance. 
Devise, to contrive ; to plan. 

Dissent, difference of opinion. 
Descent, declivity ; lineage. 

Divers, several. 
Diverse, different. 

Elicit, to draw out of. 
Illicit, illegal, not lawful. 

Elude, to escape from. 
Illude, to mock, to deceive. 



44 



VERBAL DISTINCTIONS. 



Emerge, to rise out of. 
Immerge, to plunge into. 

Emigrant, one who migrates 

from a country. 
Immigrant, one who migrates 

into a country. 

Eminent, distinguished. 
Imminent, impending. 

Errand, a message. 
Errant, wandering. 

Eruption, a breaking out. 
Irruption, a breaking into. 

Extant, surviving. 
Extent, space, compass. 

Fibres, threads, filaments. 
Fibrous, having fibres. 

Fisher, one who fishes. 
Fissure, a cleft, a crack. 

Gamble, to practise gaming. 
Gambol, to frisk ; a frolic. 

Gristly, consisting of gristle. 
Grizzly, somewhat gray. 

Impostor, one who imposes upon 

the public, a cheat. 
Imposture, imposition, fraud. 

Ingenious, having ingenuity. 
Ingenuous, candid, noble. 

Least, smallest. 
Lest, for fear that. 

Lineament, a feature. 
Liniment, an ointment. 



Lose, to suffer loss, not to win. 
Loose, untied, slack. 

Missal, the mass book. 
Missile, a weapon thrown by the 
hand. 

Monetary, relating to money. 
Monitory, admonishing. 

Oracle, one famed for wisdom. 
Auricle, an ear, an opening. 

Ordinance, a decree. 
Ordnance, cannon. 

Pastor, a shepherd, a clergy- 
man in charge of a flock. 
Pasture, grazing ground; grass. 

Patience, the being patient. 
Patients, sick persons. 

Presence, the being present. 
Presents, gifts, donations. 

Preposition, a part of speech. 
Proposition, a proposal. • 

Prophecy, a prediction. 
Prophesy, to foretel, to predict. 

Radish, an esculent root. 
Reddish, somewhat red. 

Racer, a race-horse. 
Razor, for shaving with. 

Ruse, a trick, a stratagem. 
Rues, does rue. 

Rot, to decay, to putrefy. 
Wrought, worked. 



CLASS THIRD. 



45 



Statue, an image or figure. 
Statute, an Act of Parliament. 

Tenor, a continued course. 
Tenure, the manner in which 
tenements are held. 

Track, a vestige ; to trace. 
Tract, a region, a treatise. 

"Wary, watchful, cautious. 
Weary, worn out, tired, 



Salary, wages, hire. 
Celery, a vegetable, 

Sink, to descend ; a sewer. 
Zinc, a metal. 

Sculptor, an artist in sculpture. 
Sculpture, the art of carving. 

Soar, to fly above. 
Sower, one that sows. 

Spacious, wide, roomy. 
Specious, showy, plausible. 

SENTENCES FOR DICTATION. 

All your presents I accept, except the last. 

At this access to his fortune, his joy was in excess. 

Though your terms exceed my expectations, I will 
accede to them. 

His adherence to these extreme views, cost him 
many of his adherents. 

New editions, with additions, are in preparation. 

Till he effected his purpose, he affected to be igno- 
rant of the whole matter. 

Assistants were assigned to me, but they rendered 
me no assistance. 

I had to dance attendance upon him, as if I had been 
one of his paid attendants. 

Baron Humboldt describes the whole region as a 
barren waste. 

The decree applied to persons of every degree. 

With all due deference to you, I think there is a 
great difference. 

EXERCISES ON WORDS. 

[The difference between the pronunciation, spelling, and meaning 
of each pair to be given by the pupils.} 

Abolition, ebullition; acts, axe; accidence, accidents ; 
alley, ally; breath, breadth; captor, capture; censer, 
censure; chance, chants; citron, citrine; coat, quote; 
coffin, coughing; confidant, confident; corporal, cor- 
poreal; critic, critique; celery, salary; cease, seize. 



46 



VERBAL DISTINCTIONS. 



Correspondence, correspondents ; dense, dents ; 
dependence, dependents ; door, doer ; ether, either ; 
ewer, hewer ; exercise, exorcise ; favour, fever ; for- 
merly, formally ; gaol, goal ; idle, idoL 

Genus, genius ; gluttonous, glutinous ; gore, goer ; 
idle, idol ; incite, insight ; instance, instants ; intense, 
intents ; jester, gesture ; juggler, jugular ; legislator, 
legislature ; lightening, lightning. 

Mattress, matrice ; ooze, whose ; patron, pattern ; 
poplar, popular ; populous, populace ; prefer, proffer ; 
preposition, proposition ; proscribe, prescribe. 

Regimen, regiment ; relic, relict ; senior, seignior ; 
sewer, shore ; shone, shown ; surplice, surplus ; talents, 
talons; tense, tents; tour, tower; treatise, treaties. 



CLASS FOURTH. 



WORDS SIMILARLY SPELLED, BUT DIFFERENTLY PRONOUNCED 
AND AFPLLED. 



AV-sent, not present. 
Ab-sent', to keep away. 

Ab'-stract, an abridgment. 
Ab-stract', to draw or separate 
from ; to abridge. 

Abuse (abuce) , ill use. 
Abuse (abuze), to injure by use ; 
to reproach. 

Ac'-cent, a peculiar tone in 
speaking or pronouncing ; 
stress or force given to a par- 
ticular syllable in a word ; a 
mark by which the accent is 
denoted. 

Ac-cent', to mark the accent; 
to giye or express the accent. 



Af '-fix, a postfix or termination. 
Af-fix', to join or unite to. 

At'-tri-bute, a quality. 
At-trib'-ute, to assign to. 

Aug'-ment, an increase. 
Aug-ment', to increase. 

Au'-gust, the eighth month. 
Au-gust', great, majestic. 

Bow (bo), for shooting arrows. 
Bow (bou), an act of courtesy or 
reverence. 

Buf '-f et, a box or blow with the 

fist ; to strike. 
Buf-f et', a shelf ; a side table. 



CLASS FOURTH. 



47 



Char (tshar), to turn wood to 

charcoal. 
Char (tshare), to do turns or jobs 

of work as a charwoman. 

Com'-pact, an agreement. 
Corn-pact', firm, solid. 

ColMect, a short prayer. 
Col-led/, to bring together. 

Com 7 -ment, an exposition. 
Com-ment 7 (upon), to expound. 

Com'-merce, trade with foreign 

countries. 
Com-mer'ce, to hold intercourse 

with ; to traffic. 

Com 7 -pound, a mixture. 
Corn-pound 7 , to mix; to come to 
terms of agreement. 

Con 7 -cert, a musical entertain- 
ment ; agreement or design. 
Con-cert 7 , to contrive, to plan. 

Con'-cord, harmony. 
Con-cord 7 , to agree with. 

Con 7 -duct, behaviour. 
Con-duct 7 , to lead, to manage. 

Con 7 -fine, a boundary. 
Con-fine 7 , to limit ; to imprison. 

Con 7 -flict, a struggle, a contest 
Con-fiict 7 , to oppose. 

Con-jVre, 1 to call upon with the 
solemnity of an oath ; to en- 
treat, in the most earnest 
manner. 

Con 7 -jure (kun-jur), to practise 
the arts of a conjurer. 



Con 7 -sort, wife or husband ; a 

companion. 
Con-sort 7 , to associate with. 

Con 7 -test, a dispute, a struggle. 
Con-test 7 , to dispute, to contend. 

Con 7 -tract, a binding agreement. 
Con-tract 7 , to draw together. 

Con 7 -trast, opposition of figures. 
Con-trast 7 ,to place in opposition. 

Con 7 -verse, conversation ; the 
opposite or contrary. 

Con-vei^se, to discourse fa- 
miliarly with. 

Con 7 -vert, a person converted. 
Con-vert 7 , to change or turn. 

Con 7 -vict, a person convicted. 
Con-vict 7 , to prove guilty. 

Con 7 -voy, an escort or guard. 
Con-voy 7 , to escort, to accom- 
pany as a guard. 

Coun 7 -ter-mand, an order to the 

contrary. 
Coun-ter-mand 7 , to revoke a 

former order. 

Courtesy (kur J -tsey\ courtly or 
elegant manners ; civility ; an 
act of civility. 

Courtesy (kurtf-se), an act of 
respect or reverence made by 
females. 



1 Conjure. — From the Latin conjuro, to swear together, to con- 
spire or plot ; in which sense Milton has used the term : — 

" Who, in proud rebellious arms, 

Conjured against tfee Highest." 



48 



VERBAL DISTINCTIONS. 



Cruise 1 (Jkruze), a predatory- 
voyage ; a rambling excursion. 
Cruise 2 Qcruce), a small cup. 

Des'-cant, a song; a discourse. 
Des-cant', to harangue. 

Desert (de-zert') , that which one 
deserves ; degree of merit. 

Desert (dez'-ert), a wilderness ; 
a deserted place. 

De'tail, a minute account. 
Detail', to relate particularly. 

Diffuse (dif-fu'ce), scattered, not 

concise. 
Diffuse (dif-fu'ze), to scatter, to 

spread abroad. 

Di'-gest, materials arranged. 
Di-gest', to arrange ; to dissolve. 

Dis'-count, abatement for ready 
money. 

Dis-count', to make an abate- 
ment for ready money. 

Does, the plural of Doe. 
Does (dus), doth. 

En'-trance, the act or the place 

of entering. 
En-tran'ce, to put into a trance 

of ecstasy. 

Es'-cort, an armed guard. 
Es-cort', to accompany as a 
guard. 



Es'-say, an attempt ; a treatise. 
Es-say', to attempt, to try. 

Excuse (excu'ce), an apology. 
Ex-cu'se, to give an excuse for. 

Ex'-ile, a person banished ; ba- 
nishment. 
Ex-i'le, to banish. 

Ex'-port,a commodity exported 
Ex-port', to carry or ship goods 
out of the country. 

Ex'-tract, something extracted. 
Ex-tract', to draw out or from. 

Gal'-lant, brave (applied to 

military men). 
Gal-lant', particularly attentive 

to ladies. 

Grease (greece), melted fat. 
Grease (greaze), to smear, or 
anoint with grease. 

Gout, a disease ; a drop. 
Gout (goo), taste, desire. 

Gill (usually Gills, g hard), the 

lungs of a fish. 
Gill (g soft), the fourth part of 

a pint. 

Fer'-men.,, a boiling ; a tumult. 
Fer-ment', to cause or produce 
fermentation. 



1 Cruise. — Johnson says, " From the original cruisers, who bore 
the cross, and plundered only Infidels." But it seems simply from 
cruising or crossing, sc. the seas without any certain course. 

2 Cruise. — The more correct spelling of this word is Cruse. 



CLASS FOUKTH. 



49 



Form, shape, appearance. 
Form, a bench or seat; a class. 

Fre'-quent, often occurring. 
Fre-quent', to visit often. 

House, an abode or residence. 
House (Jiouze), to bring or put 
into a house. 

Im'-port, any commodity im- 
ported ; meaning; conse- 
quence; tendency. 

Im-port', to bring from abroad ; 
to mean or signify. 

In'-cense, perfume or fragrance 

exhaled by fire. 
In-cen'se, to inflame, to enrage. 

In'-crease, augmentation. 
In-cre'ase, to make more or 
greater. 

In'-lay, something inlaid or in- 
serted. 
In-lay', to lay or put in. 

In'-sult, an affront. 

In-sult', to treat with insolence. 

In'-ter-change, a mutual ex- 
change; commerce. 
In-ter-chVnge,to exchange with 

In'-ter-dict, a prohibition, 
In-ter-dict', to prohibit. 

In'-ti-mate, inmost ; familiar. 

In'-timate, 1 to hint; properly to 
convey by a hint our intimate 
or inmost thoughts or opinions 



Invalid $n-val'-id), weak; of 

no force or weight. 
Invalid (in'va-leed"), one weak 

or disabled by sickness or 

wounds. 

Lead (leed), to conduct, to guide. 
Lead (led), a heavy metal. 

Live (liv), to exist; to pass life. 
Live (live), living; put for Alive. 

Lower (lo'-er), to bring low. 
Lower (lou'-er), to appear dark 
and gloomy. 

Min'-ute, the 60th part of an 
hour ; a small portion of time. 
Mi-nu'te, small, diminished. 

Mis-con'- duct, bad behaviour. 
Mis-con- duct', to behave badly. 

Mouse, a small animal. 
Mouse (mouze), to catch mice. 

Mow(mo),to cut with the scythe. 
Mow (mou), a heap of hay or 
corn when housed. 

Notable (no'ta-bl), worthy of 

note, memorable. 
Notable (not'a-bl), skilled in the 

science of house-keeping. 

Object', to make an objection 
to, to oppose by argument. 

Ob'ject, something seen; an end 
or purpose. 



1 Intimate. — Though this word, both verb and noun, is accented 
on the same syllable, yet when used as the former the last syllable 
is longer dwelt upon. Compare the pronunciations of separate, 
verb and noun; also moderate. 

C 



50 



VERBAL DISTINCTIONS. 



Ordinary (oi J -de-na-ry), the es- 
tablished judge of an ecclesi- 
astical court ; a stated or regu- 
lar chaplain ; common, mean. 

Ordinary (ordinary), a house 
of entertainment, where the 
meals are given at an ordinary 
or regular price. 

0'-ver-charge,too great a charge. 
O-ver-char'ge, to charge too 
much ; to crowd. 

O'-ver-throw, defeat, discomfi- 
ture, destruction. 

O-ver-thro'w, to defeat, to dis- 
comfit, to destroy. 

Pen'dant, a jewel hanging from 

the ear. 
Pendant (pen'ant), a small flag 

or streamer. 

Per'-mit, a written authority 
from an excise officer for re- 
moving goods. 

Per-mit', to authorize, to allow. 

PolMsh, to smoothe, to brighten, 

to refine. 
Po'-lish, pertaining to Poland. 

Precedent (press 1 '-e-dent) , a pre- 
vious rule or example. 

Pre-ce'-dent^preceding or going 
before; former. 

Pre'-fix, a particle or preposi- 
tion prefixed to a word. 
Pre-fix', to put before. 



Prel r -ude, something introduc- 
tory, as to a concert. 

Pre-lu'de, to serve as an intro- 
duction ; to begin with. 

Pres'-age, a prognostic or sign. 
Pre-sa'ge,to foretel or forebode. 

Pres'-ent, something presented 

a gift or offering. 
Pre-sent', to give formally. 

Prod'-uce, that which is pro- 
duced, the product or amount. 
Pro-du'ce, to bring forth. 

Proj'-ect, a design, a scheme, 

a contrivance. 
Pro-ject', to form in the mind ; 

to jut out. 

Prot'-est, a solemn declaration. 
Pro-test', to declare solemnly. 

Provost (prov'-ust), the head of 
a college. 

Provost (pro-vo'), the execu- 
tioner of an army. 

Rarity (rare-ity), a thing valued 
for its scarceness. 

Rarity (rar'-ity), thinness, sub- 
tlety ; opposed to density. 

Read (reed), to peruse, to read. 
Read (red), perused, did read. 

Reb'-el, one that rebels. 
Re-bel', to oppose lawful autho- 
rity, to rise in rebellion. 

Rec'-ol-lect", to call to mind. 
Re'-col-lect", to collect again. 



1 Precedent is nearly obsolete ; preceding being used instead : 

"A slave that is not twentieth part the tythe 
Of your precedent lord." — Hamlet. 



CLASS FOUKT'H. 



51 



Rec'-ord, a register, a memorial. 
Re-cord', to register. 

Refuse, what is refused as use- 
less ; worthless remains. 
Refuse, to reject. 

Rep'-ri-mand, a censure. 
Rep-ri-mand', to censure, to 
chide. 

Re'tail, sale by small quantities. 
Retail', to sell in small quantities 

Row (ro), a rank or line ; to pro- 
pel with oars. 

Row (rou), a riotous noise, a 
brawl or scuffle. 

Sewer (sower), one that sews. 
Sewer (soor), a drain, a sink. 

Slough (slou), a deep miry place. 
Slough (stuff), the cast skin of 
a snake. 

Sow (sou), a female pig. 
Sow (so), to scatter seed for 
growth ; to disseminate. 

Sub'-ject, placed under; liable 
to ; one under the dominion 
of another; the question or 
matter under consideration. 

Sub-ject', to place under, to 
reduce to submission. 

Su'-pine, a kind of verbal noun. 

Su-pi'ne, lying with the face 
upwards ; indolent. 



Sur'-vey, a view taken. 
Sur-vey', to take a view. 

Tar'ry, smeared with tar. 
Tar'ry, to stay, to wait for. 

Tear (tare), a rent ; to rend. 
Tear (leer), water from the eye, 

Tor'-ment, torture, vexation. 
Tor-ment', to put to pain; to 
torture or vex. 

Trans'-fer, the act of transfer- 
ring; delivery; removal. 

Trans-fer', to assign or make 
over to another ; to remove. 

Trans'-port, rapture; a vessel for 
conveying soldiers beyond sea. 

Trans-port', to carry beyond sea 
as a convict ; to enrapture. 

Un-dress', to divest of clothes, 
Un '-dress, a dishabille. 

Use (uce), act of using ; utility. 
Use (uze), to make use of. 

Wind, air in motion. 

Wind, to turn round, to twist. 

Wound (ivoond), a hurt given 

by violence. 
Wound (wownd), participle of 

the verb to Wind. 



In most of the preceding words the accent is 
regulated by the application. When used as nouns, 
the accent should be on the first syllable, but when 
employed as verbs, on the last. 1 Thus, " Absent, 



1 Some words of this class have not as yet come under this ana- 
logy; as Balance, Combat, and Counsel, which are accented alike 
both as verbs and nouns ; and even with respect to some words in 
this list, usage is divided ; as Comment, Commerce, and Protest. 

c 2 



52 



VERBAL DISTINCTIONS. 



not present," is pronounced ^^-sent ; but when used 
as a verb, the accent must be on the last syllable, 
viz., Ab-sentf. 

This change of accent in the same word is pro- 
duced, as Walker well observes, by an instinctive 
effort in the language to compensate, in some degree, 
for the want of different terminations for these 
different parts of speech. 1 

The following words exemplify the same ten- 
dency, but in a different manner :*< — 



Nouns. 


Verbs. 


Nouns. 


Verbs. 


Abuse 


Abuse 2 


Mouse 


Mouse 


Close 


Close 


Use 


Use 


Diffuse 


Diffuse 


Grease 


Grease 


Excuse 


Excuse 


House 


House 


Grass 


Graze 


Advice 


Advise 


Glass 


Glaze 


Device 


Devise 


Brass 


Braze 


Practice 


Practise 


Price 


Prize 3 


Prophecy 


Prophesy 


Behoof 


Behoove 


Grief 


Grieve 


Proof 


Prove 


Thief 


Thieve 


Reproof 


Reprove 


Life 


Live 


Belief 


Believe 


Wife 


Wive 


Bath 


Bathe 


Mouth 


Mouthe 


Breath 


Breathe 


Sheath 


Sheathe 


Cloth 


Clothe 


Smooth 4 


Smooth 


Loath 


Loathe 


Wreath 


Wreathe 



1 Compare Analogy vii., under the head of "Principles of Pro- 
nunciation," page 112. 

8 Either by a change in the pronunciation of the same letter (as 
Abuseis pronounced abuce as a noun, and abuze as a verb), or by a 
change or addition of letters (as Glass, Glaze ; Bath, Bathe). 

3 Prise, to set a price upon ; to value or esteem highly. 

4 The adjective Smooth is pronounced like the verb Smooth, 



CLASS FOURTH. 53 



SEXTEXCES FOR DICTATION. 

It was on the twelfth, and not on the eighth of 
August, that our august Monarch died. 

1 was once as straight as an arrow, though now 
obliged, by age and infirmity, to bow like a bow. 

The chairman said that his wife was a charwoman, 
and that she sold charcoal. 

Though I acknowledge it to be nothing more than 
my desert, yet I beseech you not to desert me in this 
desert. 

Though he suffers the most excruciating pain from 
the gout, yet he continues to indulge his gout for con- 
viviality. 

The incense of flattery must offend and incense the 
wise and good. 

As you are his intimate friend, I will venture to in- 
timate to you a circumstance of which it will be ad- 
vantageous to him to be apprized. 

The objections to the admission of the invalid into 
the hospital were shown to be invalid and frivolous. 

We hoped, but our hope was in vain, that the vein 
of lead would lead to silver. 

Lower the sails, the sky begins to lower. 

A minute is a very minute portion of time. 

The provost of the corporation was cruelly consigned 
to the provost of the army. 

Can you wonder that he should refuse to accept 
the mere refuse ? 

I heard that there was a great row in Pater-noster- 
row yesterday. 

We observed at the edge of the slough the slough of 
a serpent. 

She bursts into tears, wrings her hands, tears her 
hair, and shows every sign of woe. 

He wound his handkerchief about the wound. 



fl VERBAL DISTINCTIONS. 



CLASS FIFTH. 

WORDS SPELLED AND PRONOUNCED ALIKE, BUT DIFFERING 
MEANING OR APPLICATION. 

We shall begin this Part with an extract from 
" Edge-worth's Practical Education :" — 

"Pere Bourgeois, one of the Chinese missionaries, 
attempted to preach a Chinese sermon to the Chinese. His 
own account of the business is the best we can give : 

" ' They told me chou signifies a book, so that I thought 
whenever the word chou was pronounced, a book was the 
subject of discourse ; not at all. Chou, the next time I heard 
it, I found signified a tree. Now I was to recollect that chou 
was a book and a tree ; but this amounted to nothing. Chou 
I found also expressed great heats. Chou is to relate. Chou 
is the Aurora. Chou means to be accustomed. Chou ex- 
presses the loss of a wager, &c. I should never have done 
were I to enumerate all the meanings of chou. * * * * 
I recited my sermon at least fifty times to my servant before 
I spoke it in public, and yet I am told, though he continually 
corrected me, that of the ten parts of the sermon (as the 
Chinese express themselves) they hardly understood three. 
Fortunately the Chinese are wonderfully patient.' 

"Children often experience similar difficulties, and their 
patience deserves equal commendation. Block, for instance 
(according to Dr. Johnson), signifies a heavy piece of timber ; 
a mass of matter. Block means the wood on which hats are 
formed. Block means the wood on which criminals are be- 
headed. Block is a sea term for a pulley. Block is an 
obstruction, a stop; and finally, block means a blockhead. 
Children do not perceive that the metaphoric meanings of this 
word are all derived from the original Block" 

Like the example just quoted, almost every word 



, CLASS FIFTH. 55 

in our, and indeed every language^ has, in addition 
to its original and proper meaning, its consequen- 
tial and figurative applications. And though in 
several instances the original or primitive meaning 
has been lost, or is no longer in use, yet, in general, 
it will be found to pervade and explain what are 
called the different meanings of the same word. In 
explaining the following class of words, the author 
has kept this principle in view. In almost every 
case it will be seen that the primitive or original 
meaning naturally leads to all the others, though, 
at first view, some of them may appear to be quite 
different. And, besides the pleasure which even 
children take in tracing analogies, it is surely much 
easier, as well as much more philosophic, to learn 
the meanings of words in this way, than to get them 
by rote from the uninteresting and unconnected 
columns of a dictionary. For even if it were pos- 
sible for a child to recollect the different meanings 
of every word in his dictionary (and unless he re- 
collects all, there is little use in his knowing only 
a part), how is he to know, on the spur of the 
moment, which of the many meanings he is to attach 
to a word that he meets with in reading, or hears 
pronounced in conversation ] Hear what a philo- 
sopher 1 has said on this subject : — ■ 

"When I consult Johnson's Dictionary, I find many words 
of which he has enumerated forty, fifty, or even sixty different 
significations; and after all the pains he has taken to distin- 
guish them from each other, I am frequently at a loss how to 
avail myself .of his definitions. Yet, when a word of this kind 

! Dugald Stewart. 



56 VERBAL DISTINCTIONS. 

occurs to me in a book, or even when I hear it pronounced in 
the rapidity of viva voce discourse, I at once select, without 
the slightest effort of conscious thought, the precise meaning 
it was intended to convey. How is this to be explained but 
by the light thrown upon the problematical term by the 
general import of the sentence ?" 

This view of the subject is unquestionably just. 
The import of words may often be inferred from 
the context and meaning of the sentence ; but still 
it is necessary to know the meanings of each of the 
words which compose it ; and the only question is, 
whether it is better that children should learn the 
meanings of words easily and intellectually, as here 1 
recommended, or whether they are to undergo the 
useless drudgery of attempting to learn by rote, 
from their dictionaries, the meanings of every word 
in the language. 



Angle, a corner, a point where two lines meet. 
Angle, to fish with a ho oh and line. 

Arch, something formed like a how; as the arch 2 (now 
written arc) of a circle, the arch of a bridge. 

Arch, chief; as in arcAbishop, archangel, arch-vrag, 
arch-rogue, &c. Arch, mischievously droll, is the 
game word; which signification it seems to have 
acquired from the frequency of its application to a 
person pre-eminent or chief in drollery and mischief. 
Notorious, 8 which properly means noted or well- 



1 See also Observations on this subject, under the head of 
M Etymology," p. 143. 

* From the Latin arcus, a bow. 

3 Notorious.— That the seat of ordinary justice might be perma- 
nent and Ttotorious to all the nation, it was made an article of Magna 



CLASS FIFTH* 57 

known, has acquired a similar signification (that is, it 
is now generally used in a bad sense). 

Ashes, the plural of Ash. 

Ashes, the remains of anything burnt. ^.^-Wednes- 
day, the first day of Lent ; so called from the ancient 
custom of sprinkling ashes on the head. 

Bachelor, a young man ; an unmarried man. 

Bachelor, & junior graduate, or a student admitted to 
the Jirst degree at a university; a knight of the lowest 
or first degree. 

Bait, a bit or bite of food put upon a hook to allure 
fish ; and, hence, a temptation. 

Bait, to stop at an inn for the purpose of taking (si'bit 
or bite) sl hasty refreshment. 

Bait, to set dogs on ; as to bait sl bull. 

Bale, a round bundle or package of goods. 

Bale, to heave or throw water out of a boat. 

Base, the lowest part or foundation ; the pedestal of a 
statue. 

Base, low, mean, worthless. 

Base, a low, deep sound in music. 

Bat, an animal resembling a mouse, with wings of 
skin or leather. 

Bat, a kind of club fbr beating or striking a ball. 

Bay, a portion of the sea encompassed or surrounded 
by the land, except at the entrance. 

Bay, as in the phrase " to stand at bay," properly re- 
fers to a stag bayed in or surrounded by the dogs, 
and obliged to face them by an impossibility of 
escape. 

Bay-window (usually and perhaps properly Bow- win- 
dow), a window curving outward, and thereby 
forming a kind of bay or hollow in the room. 

Charta that Common Pleas should no longer follow the King's 
Court, but be held in some certain place. — Mackstone. 

c3 



58 VERBAL DISTINCTIONS. 

Bay, a species of the laurel tree. 

Bay, a colour; as a bay horse. 

Baf, to bark, to bark at ; as to " bay the moon." 

Beaver, an amphibious animal, called also a Castor. 
Beaver, a hat made of the fur of the beaver or castor 
Beaver, the part of a helmet that covers the face. 

Bill, the beak of a bird. 

Bill, a kind of axe with a hooked point. 

Bill, a written paper of any kind, as an account of 

money; a law presented in writing to Parliament, 

which, when passed, is called an act. 

Blade, thejtfa £ or cutting part of a knife or weapon. 

Blade, a spire or leaf of corn or grass, from its resem- 
blance to the blade of an instrument. 

Blade, the flat bone of the shoulder ; the broad or flat 
part of an oar. 

Blade, a sharp, keen person. This application of 
the term is vulgar. 

Blow, a stroke, a sudden calamity. 
Blow, to puff like the wind ; to inflate ; to swell or put 
forth blossoms like a flower. 

Board, 1 a broad piece of timber ; a table ; the deck or 
floor of a ship. To board a person is to entertain 
him at our board or table. 

Board, a council or commission sitting at the same 
board or table ; as the Board of Education. 

Box, a kind of shrub or tree. 

Box, a case or coffer made of wood (properly hox- 
wood) ; a money chest ; a Christmas present. 



1 Board is formed from broad, by the metathesis of r ; as in the 
following corruptions : Crub for cwrd, cruds for curds, purty for 
pretty, &c. 



CLASS FIFTH. 59 

Box, an enclosed or circular seat ; as a box in a theatre 

the box of a coach, &c. 
Box, a blow with the fist or closed hand. 

Brace, (to embrace, to hold tightly ,)T;o bind together. 

Brace, two or a pair ; as a brace of partridges. Like 
the word Couple, brace seems to have acquired this 
signification from the custom of bracing or coupling 
two dogs, or pieces of game together. 

Buff, a sort of leather prepared from the skin of the 

Buffalo, used for waist belts, pouches, &c. 
Buff, the colour of buff leather, that is, light yellow. 

Butt, a large cask or barrel. 

Butt, the mark to be aimed at; a person at whom jests 

are aimed or directed. 
Butt, to strike with the head. 

Case, that which holds or covers something else ; as a 

book-ca.se, a pillow- case. 
Case, state or condition of things ; as a hard case. 
Case, at law ; put for Cause. 

Cashier, the person who has charge of the cash. 
Cashier, to make void ; to dismiss from office. 

Cast, to throw with the hand; to throw away; to 

throw or pour into a mould or form. 
Cast (the thing moulded or formed), a model, shape, 

or form. Compare Mould, p. 69. 

Chase, to hunt, to pursue, to drive away. 

Chase (put for Enchase), to set in a case or frame, as 

a precious stone in gold ; to adorn by embossed or 

raised work. 

Club, a heavy stick, thicker at one end than the other ; 
one of the four suits of cards, 



60 VERBAL DISTINCTIONS. 

Club, to contribute to a common expense in settled 

proportions. 1 
Club, an association or society ; as the Yacht Club. 

Comb, an instrument for adjusting the hair. 

Comb, the crest of a cock ; so called from its fancied 

resemblance to a comb? 
Comb, the cavities in which bees deposit their honey. 

Consistency, uniformity or agreement with self. 
Consistency, degree of denseness or rarity; as boiled 
into the consistency of syrup. 

Corn, seeds or grains which grow in ears, not in pods ; 

grain unreapcd. 
Corn, to sprinkle or throw grains of salt on meat ; and 

hence, to salt slightly. 
Corn, an excrescence on the foot, of a corneous or 

horny substance. 

Count, to reckon or compute ; any thing summed up 
or reckoned, as a count in an indictment. 

Count, a foreign title ; an earl; originally the governor 
or lieutenant of a county. 

Counter, a bench or table in a shop on which money 

is counted or received. 
Counter, a piece of fictitious money used for keeping 

count or reckoning. 
Counter, contrary to ; as to counteract. 

Court, the residence of a king, or of his representative ; 

the hall or chamber where justice is administered. 
Court, to solicit with courtly attention ; to woo. 
Court, enclosed space before a house, an enclosure. 



1 Club. — " Plums and directors, Shylock and his wife, 

"Will club their testers now to take thy life." — Pope. 

2 Comb. — "Because it standeth iagged like the teeth of a combe,'* 
says MinsJieio. — " From its pectinated indentures." — Johnson. 



CLASS FIFTH. 61 

Craft, trade; 1 manual art or handicraft; and hence, 

art, artifice, cunning. 2 
Craft, a small ship (engaged in waft or trade). 

Crane, a bird with a long beak ; also a long bent tube 

for drawing liquor out of casks. 
Crane, an engine for raising weights ; so called from 

its overhanging shape and capacity to pick up objects. 

Crop, to cut short or close ; to cut or eat the tops off. 

Crop, that which has been cropped or cut off; the har- 
vest cut down ; and hence the produce of the field. 

Crop, the craw or first stomach of birds (which serves 
the same purpose with them as mastication with us) . 

Cross, a kind of gibbet ; the emblem of the Christian 
religion ; any thing that thwarts or gives annoyance ; 
a trial of patience. 

Cross, to lay one body, or draw one line, across or 
athwart another in the form of a cross. To cross 
the channel is to go across in a straight line ; to cross 
a person is to thwart or cross him in his purpose ; and 
aperson disposed to act so, is called cross orPERVERSE. 

Crow, a well-known bird. — " To pluck a crow" would 
be to lose our labour for nothing, for crows are not 
eaten ; and hence the phrase (which is now vulgar) 
came to signify to lose our time in disputing about a 
matter of no consequence, even if decided. This 
kind of disputation was called by the Romans de lana 
caprina, that is, a controversy about goats'* wool, or 
in other words, about nothing. 

Crow, an iron bar, (with a beak like a crow,) used as a 
lever. Compare Crane, a siphon or tube. 

1 Craft. — " And because he was of the same craft, he abode with 
them, and wrought." — Acts xviii. 3. 

2 Cunning. — " If I forget thee, O Jerusalem, let my right hand 
forget her cunning. — Psalm cxxxyii. 5. 



62 VERBAL DISTINCTIONS. 

Crow, as a cock, and hence to crow or triumph over. 

Dam, the mother of an animal. Dame is another form 
of the same word, and was formerly used in the same 
sense (mother)} 

Dam, a bank to confine water. 

Date of a letter, that is, the time when it was given 

from under our hands ; the time of any event. 
Date, the fruit of the date-tree (a species of palm). 

Deal, to divide, share, or parcel out ; as to deal cards. 
Deal, a division, share, or quantity ; as a great deal 

that is, a great share or portion. 
Deal, fir or pine planks (perhaps so called from being 

dealed or divided equally from the trunk ; as cards 

from the pack). 
Deal, to trade or traffic ; but properly to retail or sell 

in small portions or quantities. 

Deab, expensive or costly ; much prized or valued. 

Darling, formerly dearling, means little dear; as 

gosling means little goose, &c. 
Dear, a term of endearment, implying highly valued or 

esteemed. 

Deck, to cover ; to clothe ; to adorn — in the last sense 

perhaps put for decorate. 
Deck, the floor of a ship (that which covers the hull). 

Desert, that which one has deserved or merited. (It is 

formed thus, deserved, deserved, desert. 2 ) _ 
Desert, to forsake or leave deserted. 

Diet, an assembly; as the German Diet, held for enact- 
ing laws, and regulating the mode of government. 



1 In Paradise Lost Eve is called " universal Dame." 

2 " Not my deserts, but what I shall deserve "~ Kicli. III. 



CLASS FIFTH. 63 

Diet, food or regimen regulated by the rules of medi- 
cine j 1 and hence, food generally. 

Draw, to drag or draw along ; as a horse does a car. 
Draw (that is, the brush or pencil along the paper), to 
delineate or portray. 

Engross, to take the gross or whole ; to monopolize. 2 
Emgross, to copy in gross, or large characters ; as in 
records or law writings. 3 

Express, to press out ; to utter or send out words ; to 

pronounce or declare. 
Express, to send out or off speedily ; a message so sent. 

Fair, a fixed or stated market for buyers and sellers. 
Fair, pleasing to the eye or mind ; as a, fair lady, a fair 
day, fair conduct ; also, favourable ; as a, fair wind. 

Fellow , one of the same society ; as a fellow of college ; 
and hence, an equal, a match ; as one glove is said to 
be the fellow of the other. This word is also used 
in contempt ; as companion* formerly was. 

File, & thread of wire on which papers are strung to 
keep them in order ; a catalogue or roll ; a line or 
rank of soldiers. — To file a bill is, to put it on the 
file of the court for trial in due order. 

File, an iron or steel instrument for rasping. 

File, 6 formerly used as Defile now is. (Now obsolete.) 

1 u To fast like one that takes diet,* 9 (that is, to abstain like one 
confined to a prescribed regimen). — Shalcspeare. 

* m All our praises why should lords engross ? 
Rise, honest Muse, and sing the man of Ross." 

8 " A clerk foredoom'd his father's soul to cross, 

Who pens a stanza when he should engross." — Pope 

4 "Away! scurvy companion." — SJiaTcspeare. 

5 " For Banquo's issue have I filed my mind 

For them the gracious Duncan have I murdered." 



64 VERBAL DISTINCTIONS. 

Fillet, (a little thread,) a slight bandage ;i a cliaplet 

or band round the head. 
Fillet, the thick part of a leg of veal ; so called from 

being usually trussed with & fillet or slight bandage. 

Flag, the colours or ensign of a ship, &c. 
Flag, to hang loose ; to droop : to grow spiritless. 
Flag, a water plant with a broad drooping leaf. 
Flag, a broad kind of stone used for smooth pavement. 

Fold, a double or plait. Twenty-/^ means twenty 
doubled, or twice the number. Hence manifold, 
that is, many doubled, or very numerous. 

Fold, a place in which sheep are (enfolded) enclosed. 

Foot, as the foot of a man; the foot of a table; the foot 
(or lower part) of a mountain. 

Foot, a measure of twelve inches, such being the sup- 
posed length of the human foot. — See Nail, p. 69. 

Forge, to beat with the hammer into a particular shape 
or form ; to make or form. 

Forge, to fabricate or counterfeit a writing in imita- 
tion of the original ; as to forge a note, to forge a 
signature. 

Found, to lay the ground-work or foundation ; to build 

or establish ; as to found a city. 
Found, to form by pouring molten metal into a mould, 

as in a foundry (instead of founding metals, we now 

say casting).* 

Fret, to wear away by rubbing ; to wear or eat away ; 
as u a moth fretteth a garment." 

1 " What with fillets of roses, and fillets of veal, 

Things garni with lace, and things garni with eel." 

Fudge Family, 
2 " A second multitude, 
With wondrous art, founded the massy ore." — Milton. 






CLASS FIFTH. 65 

Fret, to tease, to vex, to irritate or make angry. 
Fret, in architecture, raised and ornamented work. 

Fry, to dress food in a frying-pan. 
Fry, a swarm or crowd of young fishes. 

Game, sport or amusement of any kind ; as a game or 

match at football. 
Game, to play (as a gamester or gambler) high. 

Game, animals, as partridges and hares, which, by being 
shot or hunted, are said to afford game or sport to 
persons who are called sportsmen. 

Gin, a snare or trap (an abbreviation of Engine"). 
Gin, an abbreviation of Geneva. 

Grain, a single seed of corn; and hence, any thing 
very minute or small ; as a grain of salt. — See 
Corn, page 60. 

Grain (like scruple, which originally meant a little 
stone), a small weight. The grain of a body means 
the particles of which it is composed; and hence, the 
texture of cloth ; the temper or constitution of the mind. 

Grate, a range of bars, or frame of iron ; as a grate for 

fire, the grating of a window. 
Grate, to rub against a rough, uneven surface, as to 

grate ginger ; to make a harsh, grating sound. 

Grave, to engrave ; to carve on a hard substance. 
Grave (a hole graved or scooped 1 out) for the dead. 
Grave, heavy, serious, solemn. 

Graze, to crop or feed on grass. 

Graze, to take the tops of the hair off in passing, as a 
bullet from a gun ; to touch the skin slightly in 
passing. Hence the expressions, the bullet gr-azed 
his whiskers, the bullet grazed his arm. 

1 " He died — and they unlocked his chain, 
And scooped for him a hollow grave." 

The Prisoner of CMllon. 



6$ VERBAL DISTINCTIONS. 

Hail, drops of rain frozen while falling. 

Hail, to wish health, to salute ; to call to. Hale, 

healthy, and Heal, to make hale or healthy, are 

different forms of the same word. 

Hamper, a large basket used for package. 
Hamper, to put obstacles in one's way, to clog or 
impede, to embarrass. 

Hind, the female of the red deer or stag. 
Hind, a peasant, a rustic, a boor. 
Hind, as hind legs, behind. Hence, hinder, to keep 
behind or back, to obstruct. Compare to forward. 1 

Jet, a beautiful black fossil. Hence the expression, 

" as black as jet. " 
Jet, a spout or shoot of water ; to jut out or project. 

Kind, species or sort, as mankind ; manner or way. 

Kind (fond of one's kind 2 or kin) , congenial, benevo- 
lent. Compare humane, that is, becoming (or having 
the feelings of) a human being. 

Left, (that which is leaved, leatfd, left), not taken ; 

quitted, abandoned. 
Left, as the left hand, that is, the hand which is 

(leaved) left or not used. 

Letter, one of the characters of the alphabet. 
Letter, an epistle (or message communicated' by letters 
or written characters). 

Light, luminous matter, as the light of the sun, the 
light of a candle. Hence, light, to kindle or pro- 
duce light, as to light the fire. 



1 Forward (put for /oreward), to bring he/ore or in front ; to 
advance or promote. 

2 Hence, kindless, unnatural ; as " landless villain," applied by 
Hamlet to his uncle, the murderer of his father. Hence, also 
kindlv, natural ; as " the Undly fruits of the earth." 



CLASS FIFTH. bV 

Light, not heavy ; unsteady ; not regular in conduct. 
Light, to come down or settle upon ; as to light from 

a carriage ; to light upon one's feet. 
Light, to happen or light upon by chance ; to light as 

birds ; to light (or alight) as from a carriage. 

Lightex, to make light or less heavy. 

Lighten, to enlighten or illumine ; to flash as lightning. 

Lime, viscous or sticky matter, as hivd-lime ; mortar or 

cement used in building. 
Lime, a small species of lemon. 
Lime, the linden-tree. 

Line, a string or cord; any thing extended like a line; 
as the equinoctial line, a line of poetry, a line of 
soldiers, a line of conduct. Hence, also, outline, 
lineament, delineate, lineal, lineage, &c. 

Line, to put lining (properly linen) into clothes. 

i Link, a single ring of a chain ; any thing connecting ; 

a link in the evidence ; linking arm and arm. 
Link, a torch, a light. Hence, link-hoy. 

Litter, a portable bed or couch; a palanquin. 
Litter, straw, because used for the bedding of horses 

and other animals. 
Litter, to scatter things carelessly about like litter. 
Litter, a brood of young ; as the litter of a pig, that 

is, the number farrowed in the litter. 

Lock, a tuft; as a lock of wool, a lock of hair. 

Lock, an instrument composed of springs and bolts, used 

to fasten, shut up, or confine ; as the lock of a door, 

the lock of a canal, the lock of a gun. 

Long, as a long journey, a long time. 
Long, to desire earnestly (to think the time long till 
we possess the object). 



68 VERBAL DISTINCTIONS. 

Lot, a die, or any thing used in deciding chances ; as 

to cast lots, to draw lots. 
Lot, that which comes to any one as his chance; 

fortune or state assigned ; as a happy lot, a hard lot. 
Lot, a parcel of goods, as if drawn by lot. 
Lot, a proportion of taxes ; as to pay scot and lot. 

Mail, a coat of steel network; a bag (properly one 
made of meshes, like an angler's casting net, or a 
lady's reticule). 

Mail-coach or Mail-packet, the coach or packet 
which carries or conveys the mail or post bags. 

Match, a contest ; a game ; also (because the contending 
parties are supposed to be equal) one that is equal or 
suitable to another; as John and his wife are well 
matched ; these gloves do not match. Hence, match- 
less, without an equal or match. 

Match, any thing used for igniting ; as a small chip of 
wood dipped in melted sulphur. 

Mean, the middle or medium ; as u the golden mean." 
Mean, 1 middling (and hence not high); low, base. In 

the meantime means the mter?nediate time. 
Mean, to purpose or intend ; to signify. 

Meet' to come face to face ; to come together. 
Meet, 2 convenient ; proper, suitable. 

Minute, a small or minute portion of time. 
Minute, a short or brief note. 

Moor, a marsh or bog. 

Moor, to fasten by anchors. 

Moor, an African, properly a native of Morocco. 



1 " And the mean man shall be brought down, and the mighty 
man shall be humbled." — Isaiah, v. 15. 

2 " It is not meet to despise the poor man that hath understand 
ing, neither is it convenient to magnify a sinful man." — Eccles. x. 



CLASS FIFTH. 69 

Mortar, a vessel in which thing3 are pounded or 
brayed together ; and hence mortar, cement used in 
building, because the sand, lime, &c, are mixed and 
blended together as if in a mortar. 

Mortar, a short, wide cannon for throwing bombs (so 
called from having some resemblance in shape to an 
apothecary's mortar). 

Mould, fine, soft earth. Hence, moulder, to turn to 

mould or dust ; to crumble. 
Mould, a form or shape (usually made of mould or 

clay) in which things are cast or modelled, 
Mould, to grow mouldy or musty. 

Nail, a sharp spike of metal. 

Nail, of the finger. Hence, nail, a measure (from the 
second joint of the finger to the end of the nail) of 
two inches and a quarter. Hand and Foot are also 
used to denote measure. — See Foot, p. 64. 

Pale, wan, whitish, dim. 

Pale, a stake; an enclosure formed by stakes; any 

enclosure ; a district, jurisdiction, or boundary ; as 

"within the pale " "beyond the pale." 

Palm, the inner part or palm of the hand ; a hand or 
measure of four inches. — Compare Foot and Nail. 

Palm, a tree ; so called because its leaves, when ex- 
panded, have some resemblance to the palm or open 
hand ; and because the branches of this tree were 
worn by conquerors, palm came to signify victory, 
triumph. 

Palm, to conceal in the palm of the hand, as jugglers ; 
and hence, to impose upon by fraud. 

Partial, pertaining only to a part; as a partial 

eclipse of the sun. 
Partial, inclined to a particular part ; as John is too 

partial to James, that is, too much disposed to take 

his part, whether right or wrong, 



70 VERBAL DISTINCTIONS. 

Perch, a long pole ; a roost for birds ; a measuring rod, 

a measure of five yards and a half. 
Perch, to light or settle upon a perch or bough. 
Perch, a kind of fish. 

Pike, a lance or spear used by foot soldiers. 
Pike, a voracious fish (perhaps so called from the sharp* 
ness of his snout). 

Pitch, the resin of the pine inspissated; tar. Hence, 

the expression, " as black as pitch." 
Pitch, to fix ; as to pitch the tents. 
Pitch, to throw headlong, to throw or cast forward. 
Pitch, a certain degree of elevation ; as at the highest 

pitch of the voice. 

Poach, to boil slightly ; as to poach eggs. 
Poach, to {poke) bag or steal game. 

Port, a gate or entrance ; a harbour. Port-holes in a 
ship of war are the apertures or doors through which 
the guns are put out. 

Port, 1 bearing, carriage, mien, demeanour. 

Port (wine), an abbreviation of Oporto. 

Porter, a gate or door keeper. 

Porter, one who carries loads for hire. 

Porter, strong beer — the favourite drink of porters. 

Pound, a weight ; and because a pound of silver was 
^formerly coined into twenty shillings, twenty shillings 
are still called a pound, though they are now only 
about one-third of that weight. 

Pound, to beat or bruise with something weighty. 

Pound, to impound, as to pound cattle. 

Range, to set in a rank or row, to dispose in proper 

order, to arrange. 
Range, to rove at large. 

1 " Pride in his port> defiance in his eye." — Goldsmith. 



CLASS FIFTH, 71 

Rank, overgrown, luxuriant, rampant. 
Rank, strong- scented, rancid. 

Hank, a row or line; a range of subordination ; a de- 
gree of dignity ; high life. 

• Rear, to raise up ; to bring up, to breed. 
Rear, to rise up on the hind legs, as a horse. 
Rear (or Rere), that which is behind or backwards; 

as the rear rank. 
Rear (or Rare), raw, underdone. 

Rock, a vast mass of stone fixed in the earth ; and be- 
cause places of defence are usually founded upon a 
rock, the term, particularly in Scripture, has been 
used to denote a defence or protection ; as u the rock 
of Israel." 

Rock, to shake, to agitate ; as to rock a cradle. 

Sable, a little animal ; the skin of this animal (which 
is dark and glossy). * 

Sable, dark, black ; as the sable night. — Compare the 
figurative applications of Jet and Pitch. 

Scale, a ladder ; also a figure (so called from having 
some resemblance to a ladder) in maps exhibiting 
the proportions between the represented and actual 
distances. Hence the expressions, " on a grand scale," 
"on a small scale." 

Scale, to ascend by ladders; as to scale the walls. 

Scale, as the scale of a fish ; the scale of a balance. 

Scale, to pare or peel off in thin particles like scales. 

Set, to place; to place or put in order; as to set a 
watch, to set a razor, to set the house in order. 

Set, a number of things (set down together) suited to 
each other ; as a set of china, a set of fire irons. 

Shaft, an arrow; any thing long and straight ; as the 
shaft of a car, the shaft of a weapon. 



72 VEKBAL DISTINCTIONS. 

Shaft, a narrow, deep, perpendicular pit, or opening 

into a mine ; as the shaft of a mine. 
Shoal, a shallow or sandbank. 
Shoal, a great number or body ; as a shoal of herrings. 

Sole, a flat fish ; so called from its similarity to the 

sole of the foot, or the sole of a shoe. 
Sole, only or entire; as "sole partner of my soul." 

Sound, any thing audible, a noise. 

Sound, a shallow sea — such as may be sounded 1 wr£h 

the plummet; as the Sound of Denmark. Hence 

sound, to try, to examine ; as, have you sounded him 

on the subject? 
Sound, healthy, sane ; wise ; uninjured ; as a sound 

mind in a sound body ; safe and sound. 

Spring, to shoot up unexpectedly or imperceptibly, as 
plants ; to spring up suddenly, as an elastic body 
when the pressure is removed ; to spring or leap 
upon, as a wild beast on its prey. 

Spring, the season in which plants, &c, spring up. 

Spring, a well of water springing up out of the ground. 

Stake, a strong stick or post stuck or fixed in the ground. 
Stake, a wager or pledge — deposited or fixed to await 
the event ; and hence, chance, risk, hazard. 

Stern (the sfeenV^- place), the hind part of a ship. 
Stern, austere, harsh. 

Stick (a long, slender piece of wood) , a staff. 
Stick, to fasten or pin against ; to adhere to. 

Stock, the trunk or stem of a tree; so called from 

being stuck or fixed in the ground. 
Stock, a family or race, in allusion to the stem of a tree. 
Stock, a stiff band or cravat in which the neck seems 

to be stuck or fixed. 

1 Sound—See Acts, xxvii. 28, for an illustration. 



CLASS FIFTH. 73 

Stock, fixed quantity or store of any thing ; as stock 
or capital in trade. 

Stock, that part of a musket or gun in which the bar- 
rel is stuck or fixed. 

Stocks, a place of confinement in which the legs of 

offenders are stuck. 
Stocks, the frame or timber in which ships are stuck 

or fixed while building. 
Stocks, the public Funds. 

Strain, to squeeze or press ; to press too much or vio- 
lently ; to force or constrain. Hence, to strain one ? s 
ankle ; to strain sl point. 

Strain, a song or note ; a style or manner of speaking. 

Talent, a weight or sum of money. 
Talent, (from the parable of the Talents), a natural 
gift ; a faculty or power. 

Taper, a wax candle ; a light. 

Taper, (formed like a taper), conical ; slender. 

Tender, soft, delicate. 
Tender, (to extend the arm), to offer. 
Tender, (put forATTENDER), a small vessel which attends 
upon the fleet, &e. 

Usher, one who stands at the door for the purpose of 
introducing strangers or visiters. 

Usher, an under teacher, or one who introduces or in- 
itiates young scholars in the elements of learning. 

Utter, outer, outward, extreme ; as uttermost. 
Utter, (to give out words,) to speak ; (to give out or 
circulate ; as to utter base coin,) to publish ; to vend. 

Vault, an arched cellar. 

Vault, 1 to leap in an arched or circular direction. 

1 " The fiery darts in flaming volleys flew, 

And, flying, vaulted either host with fire." — Milton, 

D 



74 



VEEBAL DISTINCTIONS, 



WORDS FOR EXERCISE. 



[The pupils should be required to give the different meanings or 
applications of each of the following words.} 



Address 


Drill 


Mace 


Rest 


Air 


Dun 


Mangle 


Ring 


Apparent 


Elder 


Meal 


Rue 


Art 


Entertain 


Mint 


Rush 


Ball 


Exact 


Mole 


Sack 


Bank 


Fare 


Must 


Sage 


Bark 


Figure 


Nap 


Sash - 


Baste 


Fine 


Nervous 


Seal 


Beam 


Firm 


Oblige 


Season 


Bear 


Fit 


Order 


See 


Become 


Flock 


Ounce 


Shed 


Beetle 


Foil 


Page 


Shrub 


Bill 


Founder 


Pali 


Size 


Billet 


Ground 


Patient 


Spirit 


Boot 


Habit 


Peak 


Steep 


Bound 


Hide 


Pen 


Still 


Brazier 


Host 


Pet 


Succeed 


Brook 


Hue 


Pile 


Suit 


Bugle 


Jar 


Pinion 


Swallow 


Calf 


Kennel 


Pole 


Table 


Cape 


Kite 


Post 


Tack ' 


Card 


Lap 


Prefer 


Tense 


Cataract 


Lawn 


Prune 


Till 


Charge 


Lay- 


Pulse 


Toll 


Collation 


League 


Punch 


Tone 


Corporal 


Lean 


' Pupil 


Treat 


Crab 


Let 


Quarter 


Tumbler 


Cricket 


Lie 


Pace 


Turtle 


Crown 


Like 


Rail 


Vice 


Die 


List 


Rent 


Yard 



V 



75 



EXERCISES IN ORTHOGRAPHY. 



The chief difficulties in orthography arise from 
the irregular sounds of the letters in some words, 
and their silence in others. 

In the Introduction to the author's Dictionary 
the regular and irregular sounds of the letters are 
fully explained, 1 to which the learner can refer. 

ISUEGULAR SOUNDS OP THE VOWELS, 



A. 


Cambridge 


Were 


Finale 


Are 


Thames 


Clerk 


Rationale 


Bade 


Furnace 


Sergeant 




Have 


Palace 2 


Derby 


I. 


Halve 


Image 


Berkley 


Give 


Salve 


Village 2 


Acme 


Live 


Shall 


Climate 


Anemone 


Bird 3 


Mall 


Primate 2 


Apostrophe 


Dirt 


Pall-mall 




Catastrophe 


First 


Ancient 


E, 


Epitome 


Sir 


Angel 


Ere 


Hyperbole 


Stir 


Chamber 


There 


Recipe 


Third 


Cambric 


Where 


Simile 


Thirty 



1 Both the regular and irregular sounds of the letters are given 
in the Dictionary under each vowel, diphthong, and consonant in 
alphabetical order. As an exercise the learner should be required 
to state what would be the regular sound in each of the following 
cases. 

2 And in all unaccented syllables ending in ace, age, and ate. — 
See page 113, No. 10. 

3 In words of this class the present tendency is, to give i its own 
short unaccented sound, instead of short ilov 6; as in birth, mirths 
virtue, girl, squirt, 

d2 



76 



EXERCISES IN ORTHOGRAPHY. 



Thirst 


Respite 


Cony 


None 


Fir 


Definite 


Conjure 


Nothing 


Birch 


Opposite 


Constable 


One 


Dirk 


Motive 


Covenant 


Onion 


Flirt 


Olive 3 


Cover 


Other 


Squirt 


Primitive 


Covert 


Oven 


Spirt 


Intuitive 3 


Covet 


Plover 


Antique 




Covey^ 


Pomegranate 


Caprice 


0. 


Cozen 


Pommel 


Chagrin 1 


Above 


Discomfit 


Shove 


Minion 2 


Affront 


Done 


Shovel 


Pinion 


Among 


Doth 


Sloven 


Auxiliary 


Amongst 


Dost 


Smother 


Incendiary 


Attorney 


Dove 


Some 


Notice 


Bomb 


Dozen 


Somerset 


Justice 


Bombard 


Dromedary 


Son 


Artifice 


Borough 


Front 


Sovereign 


Benefice 3 


Brother 


Glove 


Sponge 


Fertile 


Cochineal 


Govern 


Stomach 


Servile 3 


Colander 


Honey 


Thorough 


Juvenile 


Colour 


Hover 


Ton 


Mercantile 


Come 


Love 


Tongue 


Famine 


Comely 


Lover 


Word 


Engine 


Comfit 


Monday 


Work 


Discipline 


Comfort 


Money 


Wonder 


Genuine 3 


Company 


Monger 


Weld 


Practise 


Compass 


Mongrel 


Worry 


Promise 3 


Comrade 


Monk 


Worse 


Advertise 


Combat 


Monkey 


Worship 


Disfranchise Comfrey 


Month 


Wort 


Granite 


Conduit 


Mother 


Worth 



1 See under No. 6, page 112, for other words of this class. 

2 Minion. — In certain situations i takes the sound of initial y. 
gee under Y in the Dictionary, page 13. 

8 And in all unaccented syllables ending in ice, He, ine, ise, ite, 
and ive. — Seepage 115, No. 12. 



EXERCISES IN ORTHOGRAPHY. 



77 



Ado 


Wolf 


Butcher 


Sugar 


Do 


Woman 


Cuckoo 


Brute 


Move 


Wolsey 


Cushion 


Intrude 


Movement 




Full m 


Prudent 


Movable 


U. 


Pudding 


Bude 


Prove 


Bull 


Pull 


Buby 


Approval 


Bullfinch 


Pullet 


True 


Improvable 


Bullet 


Pulley 


Bury 


Lose 


B ullion 


Pulpit 


Busy 


Who 


Bulwark 


Push 


Business 


Tomb 


Bush 


PUS3 


Burial 


Bosom 


Bushel 


Put 


Canterbury 


IRREGULAR SOUNDS 


OF THE DIPHTHONGS. 


M. 


AU. 


Draught 


Dearth 


Aphaeresis 


Aunt 


Draughts 


Dread 


Diaeresis 


Askaunt 


Gauge 


Dreamt 


Caesarea 


Askaunce 


Gauger 


Earl 


Daedalus 


Craunch 


Hautboy 


Early 




Daunt 


Hautgout 


Earn 


AI. 


Haunt 


Cauliflower 


Earth 


Again 


Gaunt 


Laurel 


Earnest 


Against 
Said 


Gauntlet 


Laudanum 


Endeavour 


Haunch 




Feather 


Saith 


Jaundice 


EA. 


Head 


Wainscot 


Jaunt 


Bread 


Health 


Waistcoat 


Launch 


Breadth 


Heard 


Plaid 


Laundress 


Breakfast 


Hearse 


Kaillery 


Laundry 


Breast 


Heather 


Aisle 


Maund 


Breath 


Heaven 


Quay _ 


Paunch 


Cleanly 


Heavy 


Captain 


Saunders 


Cleanse 


Instead 


Curtain 


Saunter 


Dead 


Jealous 


Fountain 


Saunterer 


Dealt 


Jealousy 


Villain 


Taunt 


Deaf 


Lead 


Britain 1 


Laugh 


Death 


Leant 


1 And all unaccented syllabi 


es ending in ain. 


— See page 114, 



78 



Exercises in orthography. 



Learn 

Leather 

Leaven 

Meadow 

Meant 

Measure 

Pearl 

Peasant 

Pheasant 

Pleasant 

Pleasure 

Bead 

Ready 

Pealm 

Rehearse 

Seamstress 

Search 

Spread 

Stead 

Steady 

Stealth 

Stealthy 

Sweat 

Thread 

Threat 

Threaten 

Treachery 

Tread 

Treadle 

Treasure 

Wealth 

Wealthy 

Weapon 

Weather 

Yearn 

Zealot 



Zealous 

Bear 

Bearer 

Break 

Forbear 

Forswear 

Great 

Greater 

Greatest 

Pear 

Steak 

Swear 

Swearer 

Tear 

Wear 

Wearer 

Heart 

Hearten 

Hearth i 

Hearken 

EL 

Deign 

Eight 

Feign 

Feint 

Freight 

Heinous 

Heir 

Heiress 

Inveigh 

Leisure 

Neigh 

Neighbour 

Obeisance 

Eeign 



Pern 

Eeindeer 

Seize 

Skein 

Their 

Veil 

Vein 

Weigh 

Weighty 

Height 

Sleight 

Heifer 

Nonpareil 

Forfeit 

Foreign 

Sovereign 

EO. 

People 

Jeopardy 

Leopard 

Feoff 

Feod 

Yeoman 

Yeomanry 

George 

Georgic 

Galleon 

Surgeon 

Sturgeon 

Bourgeon 

Bludgeon 

Dudgeon 

Gudgeon 

Dungeon 

Luncheon 



Puncheon 

Truncheon 

Scutcheon 

Escutcheon 

Pigeon 

Widgeon 

Geography 

Geometry 

Theory 

EW. 

Sew 

Sewer 

Shrewsbury 

Sewer 

Sewerage 

EY. 
Key 
Ley 
Barley 
Valley 
Attorneyi 

IE. 

Friend 

Kerchief 

Handkerchiol 

Mischief 

Mischievous 

Siege 

Die 

Lie 

Pie 

Piebald 

Tie 

Vie 

Fiery 



lAnd all unaccented syllables ending in ey.— See page 1.14, No. 10. 



EXERCISES IN ORTHOGRAPHY. 



70 



OA. 


Mourn 


Tough 


Tourmaline 


Groat 


Poultice 


Toughness 


Uncouth 


Broad ' 


Poultry 


Touch 


You 


Abroad 


Poulterer 


Touchy 


Your 


Cupboard 


Pour 


Young 


Youth 




Resource 


Youngster 


Would 


OE. 


Shoulder 


Younker 


Wound 


Canoe 


Smoulder 


Accoutre 


Besought 


Shoe 


Soul 


Amour 


Bought 


Does (doth) 


Source 


Bouquet 


Brought 


Doe 


Thorough 


Bouse 


Fought 


Foe 


Though 


Bousy 


Methought 


Hoe 


Adjourn 


Capouch 


Nought 


Toe 


Bourgeon 


Car touch 


Ought 


Asafoetida 


Chough 


Contour 


Sought 




Country 


Could 


Thought 


OU. 


Couple 


Croup 


Wrought 


Although 


Courage 


Croupier 


Cough 


Borough 


"Courteous 


Gout (goo) 


Trough 


Bourn 


Cousin 


Group 


Lough 


Coulter 


Enough 


Paramour 


Shough 


Course 


Flourish 


Ragout 




Court 


Gournet 


Rendezvous 


ow. 


Courtier 


Housewife 


Rouge 


Below 


Concourse 


Journal 


Route 


Bestow 


Discourse 


Journey 


Routine 


Blow 


Dough 


Journeyman 


Should 


Bow 


Doughy 


Joust 


Soup 


Crow 


Four 


Nourish 


Sou, Sous 


Flow 


Fourteen 


Rough 


Surtout 


Flown 


Furlough 


Roughness 


Through 


Glow 


Intercourse 


Scourge 


Toupee \ 
Toupet J 


Grow 


Mould 


Slough 1 


Grower 


Mouldy 


Southern 


lour 


Grown 


Moult 


Southerly 


Tourist 


Growth 



1 Slough ; that is, when it means the cast skin of a serpent. 



80 


EXERCISES IN 


ORTHOGRAPHY. 


Know 


Stow 


Guerdon 


Guinea 


Known 


Throw 


Conquer 


Guitar 


Low 


Thrown 


Conqueror 


Build 


Lower 


Trow 


Coquet 


Biscuit 


Lowest 




Etiquette 


Circuit 


Mow 


UA. 


Masquerade 


Conduit 


Mower 


Guard 


Dialogue 


Harlequin 


Owe 


Guardian 


Demagogue 


Bruise 


Own 


Guarantee 


Catalogue 


Cruise 


Owner 


Quadrille 




Fruit 


Row 


Piquant 


UL 


Nuisance 


Rower 


Victuals 


Guide 


Recruit 


Show 


Antigua 


Guidance 


Juice 


Slow 




Guild 


Sluice 


Sow 


UE. 


Guile 


Suit 


Sown 


Guess 


Guise 


Suitable 


Snow 


Guest 


Guilt 


Pursuit 


*""■ 


EXAMPLES OF 


SILENT LETTERS. 


B. 


Doubtful 


Victuals 


Deign 


Climb 


Doubtless 


Victualler 


Feign 


Comb 


Eedoubt 




Reign 


Crumb 


Redoubted 


CH. 


Foreign 


Dumb 


Subtle 


Drachm 


Sovereign 


Jamb 


Subtlety 


Schedule 


Sign 


Lamb 




Schism 


Assign 


Limb 


a 


Yacht 


Assignee 


Ivumb 


Abscess 




Assignment 


Thumb 


Abscind 


G. 


Consign 


Tomb 


Scene 


Gnat 


Consignee 


Catacombs 


Scent 


Gnaw 


Consignment 


Hecatomb 


Sceptre 


Gnash 


Design 


Debt 


Scimitar 


Gnarl 


Ensign 


Debtor 


Scissors 


Gnome 


Resign 


Indebted 


Indict 


Gnomon 


Arraign 


Doubt 


Indictment 


Gnostics 


Campaign 



EXERCISES Itf ORTHOGHAPHY. 



81 



Resign 

Benign 

Condign 

Malign 

Impugn 

Oppugn 

Poignant 

Poignancy 

Seignior 

Cognisance 

Phlegm 

Apophthegm 

Diaphragm 

Paradigm 

GH. 

Aghast 

Ghost 

Gherkin 

Burgh 

Burgher 

Although 

Dough 

High 

Nigh 

Neigh 

Sigh 

Thigh 

Inveigh 

Weigh 

Though 

Through 

Borough 



Furlough 

Neighbour 

Thorough 

Plough 

Slough 

Straight 

Eight 

Height 

Weight 

Blight 

Bright 

Delight 

Fight 

Flight 

Fright 

Light 

Might 

Night 

Plight 

Right 

Sight 

Slight 

Tight 

Wright 

Aught 

Caught 

Fraught 

Naught 

Taught 

Ought 

Bought 

Brought 

Sought 



Fought 


Rhinoceros 


Thought 


Rhine 


Wrought 


Rhomb 




Rhubarb 


H. 


Rhyme 


Heir 


Rhythm 


Heiress 


Catarrh 


Herb 1 


Myrrh 


Herbage 


Dishabille 


Honest 


Shepherd 


Honesty- 


Diphthong 


Honor 


Triphthong 


Honorable 


Asthma 


Honorary 


Naphtha 


Hospital 


Isthmus 


Hostler 


Thomas 


Hour 


Thames 


Humble 




Humbleness 


K. 


Humour 


Knack 


Humorous 


Knapsack 


Humorsome 


Knave 


Ah 


Knavery 


Elijah 


Knavish 


Sirrah 


Knead 


Sarah 


Knee 


Micah 


Kneel 


Rhapsody 


Knew 


Rhetoric 


Knife 


Rhetorical 


Knight 


Rheum 


Knit 


Rheumatic 


Knives 


.Rheumatism 


Knob 



1 Tn the words printed in Italic, the h is often pronounced by 
persons who are considered correct speakers. 

d3 



82 



EXEECISES IN ORTHOGRAPHY. 



Knock 


Falcon 


Psalter 


W. 


Knoll 


Almond 


Pseudo 


Wrap 


Knot 


Auln 


Pshaw 


Wrought 


Know 


Alms 


Psyche 


Wreak 


Knowledge 


Balm 


Corps 


Wreath 


Knuckle 


Calm 


Raspberry 


Wrench 




Palm 


Sempstress 


Wren 




Palmer 


Redemption 


Wrestle 


L. 


Palmy- 


Receipt 


Wrest 


Could 


Qualm 


Ptisan 


Wreck 


Would 


Salmon 


Ptolemy 


Wretched 


Should 


Malmsey 


Prompt 


Wring 


Calf 




Tempt 1 


Wrinkle 


Half 


K 


Empty 


Wriggle 


Halfpenny 


Autumn 


Symptom 


Wright 


Behalf 


Column 


Sumptuous 


Wrist 


Halve 


Condemn 


Sumptuary 


Writ 


Salve 


Contemn 




Write 


Balk 


Hymn 


S. 


Writer 


Calk 


Limn 


Aisle 


Wrote 


Chalk 


Solemn 


Isle 


Wrong 


Stalk 




Island 


Wrung 


Walk 


P. 


Demesne 


Wry 


Talk 


Psalm 


Puisne 


Answer 


Folk 


Psalmist 


Viscount 


Sword 


Yolk 


Psalmodv 


Viscountess 


Towards 



REGULAR AND IRREGULAR SOUNDS PROMISCU- 
OUSLY ARRANGED FOR EXERCISE. 

Bare, are ; gave, have ; made, bade ; valve, salve, 
halve ; tall, shall, wall, mall ; paltry, palace ; falcon, 
falcated, walnut, Alps, although, Albion, Pall-mall ; 
blab, swab : arm, warm, harm, swarm ; that, what. 

Mart, thwart ; bard, ward ; harp, warp ; ran, wan ; 



1 Tempt.— Colloquially the p is not pronounced in such words; 
but on all grave or solemn occasions it should he heard. 



EXERCISES IN ORTHOGRAPHY. 83 

match, watch ; barrel, quarrel ; waver, water ; anger, 
danger ; anchor, ancient, angle, angel ; clamber, cham- 
ber ; camphor, cambric, Cambridge ; deface, preface, 
solace, grimace ; chase, purchase ; enrage, courage ; in- 
grate, private, inmate, climate. 

Me, the ; ere, here, there, mere, where ; jerk, Berk- 
ley, perk, clerk ; serge, sergeant ; herb, Derby ; mile, 
simile, tome, epitome, ale, finale. 

Five, give, hive, live, alive, motive ; firm, first, shirt, 
dirt, twirl, girl, girth, birth, bird, third ; advice, novice, 
caprice, suffice, office, police ; servile, defile, profile ; 
grin, chagrin ; decline, combine, engine, machine ; pro- 
mise, premise ; respite, despite, granite ; basin, bom- 
basin ; valid, invalid ; basis, glacis. 

Cove, dove, love, move ; bomb, tomb, rhomb ; bor- 
row, borough ; dome, come, cone, done, gone ; donkey, 
monkey ; bone, none, one, tone ; drove, prove, shove ; 
hovel, shovel ; tome, some ; cord, word ; sorry, worry ; 
dose, lose, hose ; no, do ; blossom, bosom. 

Bulk, bulwark, bulge, bullion ; brush, bush ; bureau, 
bury, burlesque, burial ; bustle, busy, buskin, busi- 
ness ; fulfil, fulsome, fulness, fulminate ; puddle, pud- 
ding ; put, putty ; suggest, sugar. 

Gain, again, bargain, maintain ; aid, said ; faith, 
saith ; swain, wain, wainscot ; waist, waistcoat ; paid, 
plaid ; sailor, rail, raillery, aisle ; fault, aunt, vaunt, 
laurel, laugh, gauge, hautboy ; plead, bread ; heath, 
heather ; ear, bear, earth, hearth. 

Deceit, forfeit ; heinous, heifer, inveigh, inveigle, 
neighbour, neither, freight, height, feint, sleight, non- 
pareil ; people, jeopardy, yeoman, George, geography, 
galleon ; sew, sewer ; prey, key, convey, valley ; field, 
fiend, friend, mischief; throat, groat, load, broad, cup- 
board; food, flood, brood, blood, poor, door, moor, floor. 

Although, bough, chough, dough, enough, furlough, 
cough, hiccough, slough, tough, plough, trough, rough, 
hough, lough, shough, thorough, though, 



84 



EXERCISES IN ORTHOGRAPHY* 



WORDS ENDING IN le. 

Words ending in le 1 are pronounced as if they 
ended in el, and hence there is a disposition to spell 
such words as they are pronounced ; as appel for 
apple, apostel for apostle. 

As a general rule it may be laid down that all 
the words of this class now end in le, except the 
following, and perhaps one or two others. 



Angel 


Chisel 


Hovel 


Pavel 


Barrel 


Cudgel 


Kennel 


Bevel 


Bevel 


Damsel 


Level 


Bowel 


Bushel 


Drivel 


Lintel 


Shovel 


Camel 


Flannel 


Model 


Snivel 


Cancel 


Funnel 


Morsel 


Swivel 


Chancel 


Gospel 


Novel 


Tunnel 


Channel 


Gravel 


Panel 


Trammel 


Chapel 


Grovel 


Parcel 


Travel 


Charnel 


Hazel 


Pommel 


Tinsel 



WORDS ENDING IN re. 



Similar observations apply to words ending in 
re ; that is, they are liable to be confounded in 
spelling with words ending in er. 

Except the following, all the words of this class 
now end in er. 2 



Accoutre 

Acre 

Antre 



Calibre 
Centre 
Fibre 



Livre 
Lucre 
Lustre 



Maugre 

Massacre 

Meagre 



i See the observations on the anomalous terminations le and re 
in the Introduction to the author's Dictionary, page 11. 

2 In old authors we find arbitre, diametre, disastre, disordre, 
cTiambre, chaptre, chartre, monstre, tigre, fyc. Milton, and even later 
authors, wrote center, scepter, and sepulcher. Pope has u sceptered 
king." — See the observations referred to in the preceding note. 



EXERCISES IN ORTHOGRAPHY. 



85 



Mediocre Ochre Saltpetre Spectre 

Metre Ogre Sabre Sepulchre 

Mitre Orchestre Sombre Theatre 

Nitre Reconnoitre Sceptre Yertebre 

EXERCISES. 

Abel, able ; angle, angel ; grapple, chapel ; frizzle, 
chisel ; medal, mettle ; model, noddle ; eager, meagre, 
enter, centre ; auger, maugre ; sober, sabre. 

DOUBLE SOUNDING CONSONANTS. 

In the following, and similar words the middle 
consonant has, from the accent falling upon it, a 
doable sound, 1 and hence there is a liability to 
double it in the spelling. 



Agate 


Capital 


Cynic 


Grovel 


Alum 


Cavil 


Damage 


Habit 


Atom 


Cherish 


Damask 


Harass 


Balance 


Chisel 


Deluge 


Havoc 


Banish 


City 


Desert 


Hazard 


Baron 


Civil 


Develop 


Homage 


Bevel 


Civet 


Dragon 


Honor 


Bevy 


. Claret 


Drivel 


Honest 


Bigot 


Clever 


Elegant 


Honey 


Blemish 


Closet 


Fagot 


Hovel 


Bodice 


Colony 


Famine 


Hover 


Body 


Comet 


Felon 


Lavish 


Botany 


Conic 


Flagon 


Level 


Bury 


Copy 


Forest 


Levy 


Busy 


Coral 


Frigate 


Limit 


Cabin 


Cover 


Frolic 


Linen 


Calico 


Covert 


Gamut 


Lizard 


Camel 


Covet 


Granite 


Malice 


Canon 


Credit 


Gravel 


Manor 




.1 See Rule II., page 89. 





86 



EXERCISES IN ORTHOGRAPHY. 



Many 


Pity 


Senate 


Tepid 


Medal 


Pivot 


Separate 


Tonic 


Memory 


Planet 


Seraph 


Topic 


Melon 


Polish 


Sever 


Travail 


Menace 


Prelate 


Shadow 


Traverse 


Metal 


Privy 


Shekel 


Travel 


Merit 


Provost 


Sheriff 


Tropic 


Minute 


Quiver 


Sirup 


Valance 


Misery 


Rabid 


Sloven 


Valid 


Model 


Rapid 


Snivel 


Valet 


Modest 


Ravage 


Spavin 


Vapid 


Money 


Ravel 


Spigot 


Venom 


Moral 


Rebel 


Spirit 


Venue 


Never 


Relish 


Sterile 


Vermilion 


Novel 


Revel 


Stomach 


Very 


Oven 


River 


Study 


Vigour 


Palace 


Rivet 


Swivel 


Visit 


Palate 


Rigour 


Talent 


Vizard 


Parish . 


Salad 


Talon 


Wagon 1 


Pavilion 


Salary 


Tenant 


Widow 


Pelican 


Satin 


Tenon 


Wizard 


PerH 


Scholar 


Tenor 


Zenith 



EXERCISES. 

Allow, alum ; appointment, apartment ; ballad, ba- 
lance ; banner, banish ; city, ditty ; commit, comet ; 
dismissal, commiserate ; maggot, fagot ; fellow, felon ; 
harrow, harass ; linnet, linen ; mallet, malice ; manner, 
manor ; meddle, medal ; million, vermilion ; Ellen, 
melon ; noddle, model ; pillion, pavilion ; pity, pittance ; 
bigger, rigour ; gallery, salary ; pennant, tenant ; merri- 
ment, merit ; wherry, very. 



i Wagon. — This word is now usually spelled with two p's, but 
erroneously. There is no more reason for doubling the g in 
wagon than there is in dragon, or any similar word. This is a 
proof of the utility of this rule. 



87 



PKACTICAL RULES FOR SPELLING. 

I. As a general rule, y, when its place may be 
supplied by i, is not to be written except at the end 
of a word. 1 Hence, when y is advanced from that 
position, by the addition of a letter or syllable, it 
is changed into i. This change is exemplified by 
the formation of the plural of nouns * the persons, 
past tenses, and past participles of verbs ; and the 
comparison of adjectives ; as a cry, the cries ; I cry, 
thou cri-est, he cri-es or cri-eth, cri-ed ; holy, hok'-er, 
hoK-est. It is also exemplified by the addition of 
the affixes or terminations, er, al, ful,fy, less, ly, 
merit, ness, 2 able, ance, ant, ous, 3 (fee; as try, trz-er, 
tri-al ; pity, piti-ful, pithless ; glory, glori-fy, 
glori-ous ; holy, hoK-ness, holi-day f merry, merri- 
ment; comply, compK-ance, compk'-ant; envy, envi- 
able, envi-ous; many, mani-fold, &c. 

Exceptions. — 1. In such cases y retains its form 
when it is part of a diphthong, which occurs in all 
words ending in ay, 4 ey, oy, or uy ; as in day, days ; be- 
tray, betrays, betrayed, betrayer, betrayal ; attorney, 
attorneys ; convey, conveys, conveyed, conveyance ; boy, 



i Except in Greek and foreign words, as system, tyrant, myrrh, 
alchymy, &c. In these instances y is not the representative of i, 
but of a different letter, namely, the Greek upsilon, or short <&. 

2 The y is usually retained in the following words, dry, shy, 
sly, when ly or ness is added, as dry-lj, dryness, &c. 

3 In the words beauty, bounty, duty, pity, and plenty, 
y has been changed into e before the termination ous ; as 
beauteous, bounteous, duteous, piteous, and plenteous. 

4 Lay, pay, say, and their compounds repay, unsay &c, follow 
the general rule when ed or d is added, as laid, paid, said, unpaid, 
unsaid, &o. But the exception prevails in layer, payer, payable, &c. 



OS RULES FOR SPELLING, 

boys, boyish. ; destroy, destroys, destmyeth, destroyed, 
destroyer ; buy, buys, bwyeth, buyer. 

2. For an obvious reason, y retains its form when fol- 
lowed by the terminations ing, ish, and ist ; as in mag- 
nifying, carry-ing, accompany-ing, baby-ish, copy-ist. 

3. For the sake of distinction, y is properly used for 
i in such names as Taylor, Smyth, &c. 

4. In proper names pluralized, y retains its form, as 
the Henrys, the Ponsonbys. 1 

EXERCISES ON THE RULE AND THE EXCEPTIONS PROMIS- 
CUOUSLY ARRANGED. 

1. Spell or write the plural Jorm of each of the following 

nouns. 

Ally, alley, army, abbey, baby, beauty, berry, chim- 
ney, body, donkey, copy, essay, dainty, dairy, jockey, 
journey, daisy, eddy, kidney, fancy, ferry, turkey. 

Lamprey, money, fury, hobby, gipsy, jelly, jury, 
monkey, lady, lily, pulley, puppy, penny, pony, joy, 
poppy, reply, toy, valley, ruby, study, convoy, volley. 

Ability, attorney, comedy, gallery, galley, academy, 
effigy, apology, envoy, embassy, atrocity, turnkey, 
necessity, villany, propensity, magistracy, incendiary, 
tourney, seminary, eccentricity, whimsey. 

2. Spell or write the second and third persons, present tense? 

and the present and past participle of each of the follow- 
ing verbs. — Or, in other words, join to each example the 
terminations est, eth, ing, and ed, making the necessary 
'es. 



Ally, apply, allay, carry, dry, defy, deny, pray, decay, 
espy, fancy, fry, defray, display, pity, convey, pry, ply, 
obey, essay, annoy, rally, tarry, try, survey, descry, 
employ, delay, supply, stray, convoy, portray, enjoy, 

1 The proper name Sicily, however, follows the general rule, as 
44 the King of the two Sicilies. 1 ' 

2 The learner should note that in all regular verbs the past 
tense and past participle are alike. 



RULES FOR SPELLING. 89 

purvey, vary, deploy, amplify, indemnify, multiply, 
occupy, prophesy, supply, buy, buoy, typify. 

3. Spell or ' write the comparative and superlative forms of 

each of the following adjectives. 1 
Busy, easy, giddy, happy, lonely, lovely, merry, 
ready, greedy, silly, speedy, tidy, rosy, lively, stately, 
shady, lucky, noisy, lofty, lazy, clumsy, ugly, worthy. 

4. To the following words add any of the terminations 

mentioned in the rule vjhich are applicable, making 

the necessary changes. 
Beauty, fancy, mercy, ally, deny, comply, annoy, 
carry, bury, pity, busy, giddy, enjoy, greedy, ready, 
rely, convey, bounty, penny, duty, defy, glory, ply, 
play, plenty, vary, merry, lovely, silly, sprightly, 
stately, lazy, injury, ugly, study, harmony, employ, 
accompany, victory. 

II. Monosyllables and words accented on the 
last syllable, ending with a single consonant preced- 
ed by a single vowel, double the final consonant 
when they take an additional syllable beginning 
with a vowel. 3 

This rule is exemplified by the formation of the per- 
sons and participles of verbs, the comparison of adjec- 
tives, and by words formed from verbs, nouns, and ad- 
jectives by the addition of affixes or terminations 

1 Adjectives of two or more syllables are generally compared 
by prefixing the adverbs more and most, or less and least. Ad- 
jectives of two syllables, however, ending in y or e may be com- 
pared either ways ; that is, by er and est, or by more and most ; 
as busy, busier, busiest, &c. 

2 The reason of this rule is obvious. The duplication of the 
final consonant in such cases preserves the pronunciation of the 
original word. If the b were not doubled in rob-bed, for example, 
we would have not only a different pronunciation {robed), but 
also a different word (namely, the past tense of the verb robe). 
Again, "a good hatter''' would to the eye be "a good hater," if 
the t were not doubled. 



90 RULES FOR SPELLING. 

beginning with a vowel; as rob, rob-Z>est, rob-Jeth, 
rob-Z>ed, robbing, rob-&er, rob-Z>ery; sin, sin-west, 
sin-weth, sin-wed, sin-wing, sin-wer ; rebel, rebel-Zest, 
rebel-Zeth, rebel-Zed, rebel- Zing, rebel-Zion, rebel-Zious; 
commit, commit -test, commit-Zeth, coniniit-Zed, com- 
mitting, committal, commit-Zee. 

Big, big-^er, big-^est ; red, red-ofer, red-Jest, red- 
dish ; slim, sliin-mer, slim-raest; thin, thin-wer, thin- 
west, thin-wish ; fat, fat-ter, fat-test, fat-Zish. 

Beg, beg-^ar, beg-^ary, beg-^arly ; gun, gun-wer, 
gun-wery ; stop, stoppage, stop-^le; 1 slip, slip-^ery, 
slip-joer; pot, pot-Zage, pot-ter, pot-tery; rub, rub-Z>er, 
rub-Msh ; glad, glad- den ; sad sad-den ; wit, wit-Zy, 
wit-Zier, wit-Ziest, wit-deism. 

Exceptions. — 1. In words ending with Z 2 preceded by 
a single vowel, the final consonant is usually doubled in 
such cases as the above, though accented on the first 
syllable ; as travel, travelZed, travelZing, travel/er ; 
counsel, counselZed, counseling, counselZor ; libel, 
libelZed, libel/ing, libelZous ; model, modelZed, model- 
Zing, modelZer ; duel, duelZing, duelZist, &c. The word 
gas does not double the s, as gaseous. 

1 The termination le is equivalent to el, and was formerly so 
written. See Introduction to the Dictionary, page 11, note ||. 

2 The "liquid" nature of the letter I, and the orthography of 
the French words from which the most of these terms are im- 
mediately derived, account for, and perhaps sanction, these 
anomalies ; hut there is no such excuse for doubling the p in gal- 
lopped, gallopping, worshipped, worshipping, worshipper, gos- 
sipping, <fcc. 

In most of the American printed books, it may be observed 
that these exceptions are not admitted. The following are 
"Webster's observations on the subject: — "We observe in all 
authors, ballotting, bevelling, levelled, travelled, cancelled, re- 
velling, rivalling, worshipped, worshipper, apparelled, em- 
bowelled, libelling, and many others in which the last consonant 
is doubled, in opposition to one of the oldest and best established 
rules in the language. Nouns formed from such verbs should be 
written with a single consonant, as jeweler, traveler, worshiper. 
What should we say to a man who should write andittor, garden- 
ner, laborrcr"- &c. 



RULES FOR SPELLING. 



91 



WORDS ENDING IN / WHICH DOUBLE THE FINAL CON- 





SONANT CONTRARY TO THE 


RULE. 


Apparel 


Drivel 


Label 


Quarrel 


Bevel 


Duel 


Laurel 


Ravel 


Bowel 


Embowel 


Level 


Travel 


Cancel 


Enamel 


Libel 


Revel 


Carol 


Equal 


Marshal 


Rival 


Cavil 


Gambol 


Marvel 


Rowel 


Channel 


Gospel 


-Model 


Shovel 


Chisel 


Gravel 


Panel 


Shrivel 


Counsel 


Grovel 


Parcel 


Snivel 


Cudgel 


Handsel 


Pencil 


Tassel 


Dial 


Jewel 


Pistol 


Trammel 


Dishevel 


Kennel 


Pommel 


Unkennel 



Exceptions. — 2. In the words woollen, worshipped, 

worshipping, worshipper, biassed, unbiassed, equipped, 
eqidpping, humbugging, kidnapped, kidnapping, the 
final consonant is doubled contrary to the rule. 

EXERCISES ON THE RUDE AND THE EXCEPTIONS PRO- 
MISCUOUSLY ARRANGED. 

1. Spell or write ike second and third persons present tense, 

and the past and present participles oj each of the. 

following verbs. — Or, in other words, join to each 

example the terminations est, eth, ing, and ed, 

making the necessary changes. 
Daub, stab, aid, nod, brag, rage, drop, droop, seem, 
swim, pin, pain, blot, float, spur, wag, wage, abet, abate, 
allot, ballot, compel, counsel, begin, retain, bedim, con- 
temn, repel, repeal, libel, annul, annex, 1 revel, reveal, 
demur, murmur, limit, omit, proffer, prefer, usurp, re- 
gret, rivet, pocket, coquet, visit. 

2. Spell or write the comparative and superlative forms of each 

of the following adjectives. 
Big, large, glad, grand, sad, bold, brief, frail, dim, 
deep, dun, green, thin, lean, red, black, dear, poor, hot, 
stout, fat, great, proud, grim, vain, broad, mad, warm. 

} Annex. — Note that x is equivalent to two consonants (& s). 



92 



RULES FOR SPELLING. 



3. To the following words unite any of the affixes, which will 
exemplify either the rule or the exceptions (such as 

ED, EN, ER, EST, ETH, ERY, ING, ISH, AGE, AL, Y, 
&C.) 

Rub, mad, bag, gauge, beg, bid, sad, broad, pot, gun, 
rook, nun, station, lot, wag, crag, wage, shrub, mud 
bog, stop, stoop, soot, wit, quit, rid, in, up, cheap, run, 
sun, rain, fin, fen, gum, gloom, fun, rheum, dog, log. 
cot, cut, snug, fop, sleep, hap, thin, lean, hot, sleep, 
scrag, drum, wood, wool, wait, wet, abet, abut, batton 
begin, complain, repel, repeal, combat, duel, regret, 
bigot, rivet, remit, limit, libel, dispel, pocket, coquet, 
gossip, worship. 

The following list contains almost all the verbs 
which double the final consonant, in accordance with 
the rule : — 



Abet 


Bob 


Abhor 


Bog 


Abut 


Blur 


Acquit 


Brag 


Admit 


Bud 


Allot 


Cabal 


Annul 


Cap 


Appal 


Chap 


Aver 


Char 


Bag 


Chip 


Bar 


Chop 


Bed 


Clap 


Bedim 


Clog 


Beg 


Clot 


Begin 


Cog 


Bet 


Commit 


Bestir 


Compel 


Bid 


Con 


Blab 


Concur 


Blot 


Confer 



Control 


Dot 


Coquet 


Drag 


Cram 


Drip 


Crib 


Drop 


Crop 


Drub 


Cup 


Drug 


Cut 


Drum 


Dab 


Dub 


Dam 


Dun 


Debar 


Embed 


Defer 


Emit 


Demur 


Enrol 


Deter 


Entrap 


Dig 


Equip 


Din 


Excel 


Dip 


Expel 


Dispel 


Extol 


Distil 


Fag 


Dog 


Fan 


Don 


Fib, 



RULES FOE SPELLING. 



93 



Ken 


Prefer 


Skin 


Knit 


Prop 


Skip 


Knot 


Propel 


Slam 


Lag 


Pun 


Slap 


Lap 


Put 


Slip 


Let 


Quit 


Slit 


Lop 


Ram 


Slur 


Lug 


Rap 


Smut 


Man 


Rebel 


Snap 


Manumit 


Recur 


Snip 


Map 


Refer 


Snub 


Mar 


Refit 


Sob 


Mat 


Regret 


Sop 


Mob 


Remit 


Span 


Mop 


Repel 


Spar 


Nab 


Rid 


Spin 


Net 


Rig 


Spit 


Nib 


Rip 


Split 


Nip 


Rob 


Spot 


Nod 


Rot 


Sprig 


Occur 


Rub 


Spur 


Omit 


Run 


Squat 


Pad 


Scan 


Stab 


Pat 


Scar 


Star 


Patrol 


Scrub 


Stem 


Peg 


Scud 


Step 


Pen 


Set 


Stir 


Permit 


Sham 


Stop 


Pin 


Shed 


Strap 


Pip 


Ship 


Strip 


Pit 


Shop 


Strut 


Plan 


Shrug 


Stub 


Plat 


Shun 


Stud 


Plod 


Sin 


Stun 


Plot 


Sip 


Submit 


Pop 


Sit 


Sum 


Pot 


Skim 


Sua 



01 RULES FOR SPELLING. 



Sup 


Ted 


Trap 


War 


Swap 


Thin * 


Trepan 


Wed 


Swig 


Throb 


Trim 


Wet 


Swim 


Thrum 


Trip 


Whet 


Swop 


Tin 


Trot 


Whip 


Tag 


Tip 


Tug 


Whiz 


Tan 


Top 


Twit 


Win 


Tap 


Transfer 


Wad 


Wot 


Tar 


Transmit 


Wag 


Wrap 



III. When words ending with double I are com- 
pounded with others, — or when the termination 
ness, less, ly, ovful is affixed, one I should be omitted ; 
as already, aZ-beit, although, almost, altogether, 
with-aZ, \m-til, chil-blain, cZttZ-ness, sKZ-less, ful-\y, 
ful-Hl, wil-fnl , bul-rush, bel-fry, el-how, &c. 

Exceptions. — The exceptions to this rule are nume- 
rous and contradictory. In Johnson's Dictionary, for 
example, we find miscall and recal, enroll and xmrol, 
welfare and farewell, unwell and welcome. Again, we 
find distil and instil with one Z, while forestall and in- 
stall are written with two. Johnson also omits one of 
the Z's in the compounds of bell, as belman, feZfounder, 1 
foZmetal, feZwether ; while he retains both in the com- 
pounds of fall ; as befall, befell, downfall, waterfall. 

At present the practice is in favour of the general 
rule. In the following words however, and a few others, 
the two Z's are still retained : aZZspice, farewell, unwell, 
illness, shrillness, smallness, stillness, stillborn, stilllife, 
tallness, downhill, befall, befell, downfall, waterfall, 
undersell, millstone, millraee, &c. 

TV. When an affix or termination, beginning 
with a vowel, is added to a word ending with e, the 

1 When the two words are not incorporated the two Vs are re- 
tained ; as &e?£-metal, belMomi&er, iveM-faing, tvelMayouved, &c, 



RULES FOR SPELLING. 95 

e should be omitted ; as cure, cut-able ; sense, sens- 
ible ; love, lov-ixG ; convince, convinc-iiza ; slave, 
slav-iSB. ; rogue, rogu-i$H. ; stone, ston-Y ; connive, 
conniv-ASCE ; arrive, arriv-AJj) desire, desir-ovs, &c. 

Exceptions. — 1. The e, if preceded by c or g soft, 
must (in order to preserve the pronunciation) be re- 
tained before the postfix, able ; as in peace, ne&ce-able ; 
service, service-able ; charge, charge-a&Ze ; change, 
change-tf Z>Ze ; also in courage, courage-ows ; advantage, 
advantage -ous ; outrage, outrage-ows ,• umbrage, um- 
brage-ems, 1 &c. 

Exceptions. — 2. In verbs ending in ie, ye, oe, and 
ee, the e is retained before ing ; as hie, hieing- ; vie, 
vieing ; dye, dyeing ;* eye, eyeing ; shoe, shoeing ; hoe, 
hoeing ; see, seeing ; agree, agreeing : also, in singe, 
singeing ; swinge, swingeing. 2 

EXERCISES ON THE RULE AND THE EXCEPTIONS. 

To the following words unite any of the affixes which will 
exemplify either the rule or the exceptions. 

Admire, advise, adore, agree, arrive, bile, brute, 
carouse, conceive, contrive, deplore, desire, dispose, 
dye, endure, excuse, eye, fame, nee, fuse, grieve, guide, 
hie, hoe, imagine, impute, knave, manage, move, nerve, 
notice, observe, palate, peace, pore, propose, pursue, 
reverse, rate, see, shoe, singe, swine, swinge, tame, 
thieve, trace, value, white, wise, reconcile. 

Y. When an affix, or termination, beginning with 
a consonant, is added to a word ending with e, the 
e is retained ; as in pale, n&\e-ness ; sense, sense-less ; 
close, close-lg ; peace, peace- ful ; allure, nRvooe-ment. 

1 Johnson and Walker retain the e in move-able and racwe-ables, 
but there is no reason for this exception, particularly as the for- 
mer excludes e from immov-zble. 

2 If the e were omitted in dyeing, singeing, and swingeing, these 
words would be confounded with dying, singing, and swinging. 



96 RULES FOE SPELLING. - 

Exceptions. — Due, du-ly ; true,tv\x-ly ; awe, nw-ful ; 
judge, jndg-ment ; abridge, abridg-mew£; whole, whol-fy; 
lodge, lodg-ment ; acknowledge, aeknowledg-??ze?z£ ; argue, 
ixrgn-ment ; wise, wi$-dom ; wide, yi\dlh} 

To the following words join any of the affixes which will 
exemplify either the rule or the exceptions. 

Like, life, wise, due, care, engage, rude, shame, tame, 
true, spite, advance, lodge, base, name, home, whole, 
waste, encourage, hoarse, shape, mere, wake, awe, 
abridge, induce, judge, entice, acknowledge. 

VI. Except in monosyllables, as pack, peck, 
block, the k final is now generally omitted, parti- 
cularly in words ending in ic. 

Exceptions. — The k final is retained in the folio whig 
words, and perhaps a few others : arr&cA, barrack, 
ransack, pinchbec/t, bullock, cassock, haddock, hemlock, 
hillock, paddocA ; also in proper names, as Frederick, 
Patrick, Limerick, Warwick, Brunswick, &c. It must 
also be restored in the past tense and participles of 
verbs ending in ic ; as in frolicked and frolicking from 
frolic ; trafficked and trafficking from traffic, &e. 

The following words, and several others of the 
same class, are, in Johnson's Dictionary, and even 
in Walker's, written with the k final. In all such 
words modern usage has omitted the k final : 2 — 



1 Johnson excludes e from chast-ness, but retains it in c7iaste-ly. 
"Walker excludes e from both, writing chast-ness, chast-ly. Usage, 
as well as reason, is against these exceptions. 

» Even the learning and authority of Johnson are unable 
to control custom. He has laid it down as a principle that no 
English word can end with the letter c. In this case custom is 
right ; for Jc in such a position is perfectly useless, either as re- 
gards the orthography or etymology. 



KULES FOR SPELLING. 



97 



Acrostick 


Ecstatick 


Hysterick 


Pedantick 


Angelick 


Electrick 


Intrinsick 


Poetick 


Aquatick 


Elastick 


Logick 


Prolifick 


Athletick 


Elliptick 


Lyrick 


Prophetick 


Atlantick 


Emetick 


Magnetick 


Physick 


Asphaltick 


Epick 


Majestick 


Publick 


Conick 


Extrinsick 


Mechanick 


Belick 


Cosmetick 


Eabrick 


Mimick 


Satirick 


Critick 


Fanatick 


Mnemonicks Specifick 


Cubick 


Fantastick 


Musick 


Statistick 


Despotick 


Forensick 


ISTarcotick 


Tacticks 


Dramatick 


Frolick 


Optick 


Terrifick 


Eccentrick 


Gigantick 


Panick 


Tonick 


Ecliptick 


Harmonick 


Pathetick 


Tunick 



VII. As the diphthongs ei and ie have the same 
sound in the terminations eive and ieve, the learner 
is sometimes at a loss to know whether the e or the 
i should come first. As a general rule, it may be 
laid down that ei in such cases follows c, and ie 
any other consonant. 





EXAMPLES. 




Conceive 
Deceive 


Receive 
Perceive 


Conceit 
Deceit 


Eeceipt 
Ceiling 


Achieve 
Belief 
Believe 
Brief 


Chief 
Fief 
Grief 
Grieve 


Li eve 
Sieve 
Eeprieve 
Eetrieve 


Thief 
Thieve 
Mischief 
Mischievous 



See page 78, under ei, for exceptions. 
VIII. In writing words commencing with the 
prefix dis or mis, mistakes are sometimes made, 
either by the omission or insertion of an s. This 
may be easily avoided, by considering whether the 
word to which dis or mis is prefixed, begins with s. 

E 



98 



RULES FOR SPELLING, 



If so, of course the s must be retained ; as in Dis- 
solve, Dissipate, Misspell, Misshapen, &c. 



Disappoint 

Dissatisfy 

Disarm 

Dissect 

Disease 

Dissembler 



EXAMPLES, 

Dishonest 

Dissent 

Disseminate 

Distinguish 

Dissuade 

Dissyllable 



Misspend 

Mischievous 

Misstate 

Mistake 

Misconstrue 

Misdemeanour 



ETYMOLOGY USEFUL IN SPELLING. 

As etymology is a safe guide in many cases of 
doubtful orthography, the pupil, even with this 
view, should be made well acquainted with the 
Prefixes, Affixes, and Roots, which enter so largely 
into the composition of English words. The fol- 
lowing are examples : — 

1 . The prefixes de and di are frequently confounded 
in spelling by persons ignorant or heedless of the differ- 
ence between their meanings. 

EXAMPLES. 

Depend Degrade Despair Deliver 

Digest Digit Dilute Dilapidate 

Decease Descend Delude Despatch 

Disease Diverge Divide Dilaccrate 

2. Words beginning with the prefixes pre or pro are 
sometimes confounded in spelling, and even in pronun- 
ciation; as precede and proceed, prescribe and pro- 
scribe, preposition and proposition. Such errors may 
be avoided by attending to the distinction between the 
prefixes prce and pro, and the consequent difference 
between the meaning of the words to which they are 
prefixed. — See Prae and Pro, and the other Prefixes, 
Affixes, a&$ Hoots, commencing at page 145, 



RULES FOR SPELLING. 



99 



3. In several words beginning with the prefix ex, 
em, in, or im, usage has not decided whether e or i 
should be written. In all such cases we should be 
guided by the etymology of the word. 1 Thus inquire 
should be preferred to enquire, because it is immediately 
derived from the Latin inquiro ; and enclose should be 
written rather than inclose, because it is derived from 
the French enclos — Or generally, in all such cases, en or 
em is to be preferred to in or im, except when the 
word in question is immediately derived from the 
Latin, or when it is used in a legal or special sense ; as 
" the Incumbered Estates Court ;" 6i the Atlas Insurance 
Company;" " to insure one's life." 2 



EXAMPLES. 



Encage 

Enchain 

Enchant 

Encounter 

Encroach 

Encumber 



Endorse 

Enroll 

Enshrine 

Entangle 

Entomb 

Embalm 



Embark 

Embay 

Embed 

Embellish 

Embezzle 

Embody 



Embosom 

Emboss 

Embrace 

Embroil 

Employ 

E impoverish 



4. In some of the affixes or endings of words similar 
mistakes in spelling are liable to be made ; as between 
able and ible, axce and ence, axt and ent, sion and 
tiox. In all such cases a knowledge of the Latin root 
or affix from which the word is formed, will, generally 
speaking, enable us to decide whether a or i, a or e, 

1 When the orthography of a word is doubtful, that is, when 
custom or authority is divided, etymology and analogy should 
decide. Hence, complete, and not compleat, is the proper 
orthography, because derived from the Latin completus, or the 
French complet, which is confirmed by the cognate word replete. 
And in all such cases the immediate etymology should be pre- 
ferred to the more remote. Thus the word entire should be 
spelled with an e, and not with an i, because we derive it imme- 
diately from the French entiere, and not from the Latin integer. 
— Dictionary of Derivations. 

2 For a similar reason, such words as Abetter, Granter, and 
Visiter, are spelled with or, and not er when used in a legal sense. 

E 2 



100 



RULES FOR SPELLING. 



s or t should be written. For example, if the Latin 
word from which it is formed ends in abilis, we should 
write able and not ible ; but if in ibilis, the reverse ; as 
in mutable from mutabilis, and credible from credibilis. 
Again, if the Latin word ends in ans or antia, ant or 
ance 1 should be written ; but if in ens or entia, ent or 
ence. In the same way the s and t in the termina- 
tions sion and lion may be easily distinguished. 



EXAMPLES. 



Laudable 
Probable 
Horrible 
Flexible 



Mission 
Decision 
Position 
Relation 



Abundant Arrogance 

Triumphant Yigilance 

Confident Negligence 

Innocent Impertinence 

5. Of the following class of words some end in or, 2 
some in our, and some are written both wavs. Accord- 
ing to the rule we have laid down, or should be written 
when the word is derived directly from the Latin ; and 
our when it comes to us through the medium of the 
French. 3 

EXAMPLES OF WORDS ENDING IN OT. 



Actor 


Factor 


Pastor 


Tenor 


Castor 


Horror 


Rector 


Terror 


Censor 


Languor 


Sculptor 


Torpor 


Doctor 


Liquor 


Sector 


Tremor 


Donor 


Major 


Sponsor 


Tutor 


Error 


Minor 


Stupor 


Victor 



1 Except in some words which we have adopted from the 
French ; as attendance, attendant, confidant, &c. 

2 The authority of Johnson is in favour of our. His words 
are — " Some ingenious men have endeavoured to deserve well of 
their country, by writing honor and labor for honour and 
iiABOUR. Of these it may be said, that, as they have done no 
good, they have done little harm ; both because they have inno- 
vated little, and because few have followed them." 

s The French form is eur, which is another reason for prefer- 
ring or to our ; for our is neither in accordance with the French 
nor the Latin form. In all American printed works the Latin 
form (or) has been adopted. 



RULES FOR SPELLING. 



101 





ENDING IN OUr. 




Ardour 


Favour 


Labour 


Splendour 


Candour 


Fervour 


Odour 


Tumour 


Clamour 


Flavour 


Rigour 


Valour 


Colour 


Honour 


Rumour 


Yap our 


Dolour 


Humour 


Savour 


Vigour 



ENDING IN OUT Oil or. 



Colour or Fervour or 

Color Fervor 

Favour or Honour or 

Favor Honor 



Odour or Splendour or 

Odor Splendor 

Rigour or Vigour or 

Rigor Vigor 

We venture to recommend 1 the omission of u in all 
these words, and for the following reasons. — It is 
useless to the orthography, opposed to etymology, and 
contrary, rather than otherwise, to analogy. For ex- 
ample, in most of the words derived from them the u 
is omitted ; as in 

Honorary Laborious Vaporous 

Humorous Rigorous Vigorous 

Humorsome Valorous Invigorate 

SENTENCES FOR DICTATION. 

The allies encamped in the valleys below. 

The attorneys made frequent journeys down. 

As befitting his exalted station and character, he 
omitted no opportunity of benefiting mankind. 

After repeated sallies from the lanes and alleys, they 
were repulsed and dislodged. 

He offered to mould it in pewter, but I preferred one 
of plain lead. 

1 It should be added, however, that we seldom venture to follow 
our own recommendation in this respect. 

" In words as fashion the same rule will hold, 
Alike fantastic if too new or old ; 
Be not the first by whom the new are tried, 
Nor yet the last to lay the old aside."— Pope. 



102 SENTENCES F03 DICTATION. 

I omitted to state that I visited hiin several times. 

I regretted to hear sentiments so bigoted and be- 
sotted, and, upon expressing my regret, the eyes of all 
present were riveted upon me. 

He proffered me his assistance on the occasion, but 
I preferred to act for myself. 

He mounted the piebald pony, and galloped away. 

At the last conference 1 the president conferred great 
honour upon him. 

Shall I envelop it in a cover, or send it without an 
envelope ? 

The misfortunes of that dissipated and dissolute 
young man deserve no commiseration. 

Though all his friends interceded in his behalf, he 
was superseded. 

I will not recede ; on the contrary, I will proceed. 

It is almost unnecessary to observe that he was not 
benefited by such counsels ; nay, he was unfitted by them 
for his situation. 

The vessel, having unshipped her rudder, became un- 
manageable. 

WORDS ERRONEOUSLY SPELLED. 

[To vary the exercise, the teacher should Occasionally exhibit 
lists of words erroneously spelled, to be corrected in writing 
by the pupils, such as :] 

Attornies, heavyness, holyday, driness, robery, com- 
mital, untill, dullness, ilness, abridgement, stoney, 
sensless, unbiased, agreable, havock, haddoc, traffick, 
txafficing, recieve, beleive, misstake, mistate, portible, 
indelable, dispair, delute, enquire, inclose, truely, 
wholely, tranquility, dip thong, staunch, baulk, gossip - 
ping, worshiping, &c. 



1 Conference. — In this word the r is not doubled, because the 
accent is on the preceding syllable. Compare preference, pref- 
erable, preferred ; inference, inf erVible or inferable, inf erVed 
reference, referVable, &c. 



WORDS SWELLED IN TWO OH MOKE WAYS. 103 

A COLLECTION OF WORDS OF UNSETTLED 
ORTHOGRAPHY. 

[In the Introduction to the writer's " Dictionary of the English 
Language," page 40, an attempt has been made to settle the 
orthography of these, and other words of the same class, to 
which the more advanced pupils can refer, The more usual 
orthography is here put first.] 

Abetter 1 Alkoran 3 Anemone Archaeology 

Abettor Alcoran Anemony Archaiology 

Abridgment Almanac 4 Antechamber Ardour 6 
Abridgement 2 Almanack Antichamber Ardor 

Accessary Analyse 5 Apostasy Balk 

Accessory Analyze Apostacy Baulk 

Alchemy Ancient Apothegm Banister 
Alchymy Antient Apophthegm Baluster 

1 Abetter, from abet. — See the affix or termination ek, page 
150, and note 2 , same page. In words direct from the Latin, ok 
is the form ; as actor, instructor, &c. ; also, in words used in a 
legal or official sense ; as abettor, grantor, &c. 

2 Abridgment. — See the Exceptions to Rule V., page 96. 

s Alkoran simply means the Koran; al being the form of the 
Arabic definite article. Compare the al in kali, &c. 

4 Almanac. — See Rule VI., page 96, and the Exceptions ; also 
note 2 , same page. 

5 Analyse. — In words ending in ize or ise, pronounced alike, it 5s 
often doubted whether z or s should be written. The following 
rules will in most cases enable us to decide : — 1. The z and not s 
should be written when the word is derived from a Greek verb 
ending in i£w, as in agonize and baptize. 2. In words which we 
have formed by the addition of the Greek termination i£w, 
which, like the Latin fy, signifies to make, as in civilize and fer- 
tilize. 3. In words formed by means of prefixes, s and not z 
should be written, as in supervise and enterprise. It should be 
added, however, that printers, particularly those who are em- 
ployed in newspaper printing, scarcely ever use z in such words ; 
and the public are insensibly imitating them. In fact, if this prac- 
tice be persevered in, z in such words will soon be regarded as 
antiquated or pedantic, notwithstanding all rules to the con- 
trary. 

6 Ardour. — For words ending in our or or, see pages 100 and 
101, and the notes at foot, 



104 WORDS SPELLED IN TWO OH MORE WAYS. 



Banns 
Bans 


Calk 
Caulk 


Chemist 
Chymist 


Crawfish 
Crayfish 


Barque 
Bark 


Camlet. 
Camelot 


Cheque 
Check 


Cruse 
Cruise 


Barytone 1 
Baritone 


Camomile 
Chamomile 


Chestnut 
Chesnut 


Damson 
Damascene 


Base 
Bass 


Camphor 
Camphire 


Cipher 
Cypher 


Delft 
Delf 


Bazaar 
Bazar 


Carbine 
Carabine 


Clarionet 
Clarinet 


Demesne 
Demain 


Befall 
Befal 


Carbinier 
Carabinier 


Coif^ 
Quoif 


Despatch 
Dispatch 


Behalf 
Behoof 


Causeway 
Causey 


Connexion 
Connection 


Downfall 4 
Downfal 


Bell-man 
Belman 


Centiped 
Centipede 


ContemporaryDraught 
Cotemporary Draft 5 


Blamable 2 
Blameable 


Chameleon 
Cameleon 


Cordovan 
Cordwain 


Ecstasy 
Ecstacy 


Brazier 
Brasier 


Chap 3 
Chop 


Cornelion 
Carnelian 


Enclose 6 
Inclose 



i Barytone. — See note J , page 87 ; compare the y in Baryta. 

2 Blamable. — See Rule IV., page 95. 

3 Chap. — When applied to the hands, usage requires Chap, 
which is usually pronounced as if written Chop. The confusion 
between these words is produced by the broad sound of a, which 
approaches to o ; as in ball, all, wall, &c. Hence the two forms 
of this word. Compare, also, Slabber and Slobber. 

4 Downfall. — See Rule III., page 94, and the Exceptions to it. 

5 Draft. — Johnson rejects this word as a corruption ; but it is 
now properly applied to a draft for money, to draft troops, and 
a sketch or rough drawing of anything. 

6 Enclose. — For this and the other words beginning with the 
prefix en, em> in, or im, see page 99, No. 3. 



WORDS SPELLED IN TWO OH MOHE WAYS* 105 



Enigma 
jEnigma 


Jelly 
Gelly 


Head- acne 
Headach 


Inquire 6 
Enquire 


Enrol 
Enroll 


Jail 
Gaol 


Hiccough 
Hiccup 


Inquiry 
Enquiry 


Ensure 
Insure 2 


Jailer 
Gaoler 


Hindrance 
Hinderance 


Judgment 
Judgement 7 


Entire 3 
Intire 


Gipsy 
Gypsy 


Hostler 
Ostler 


Joust 
Just 


Equerry 
Equery 


Gray 
Grey 


Holiday 
Holyday 


Lavender 
Lavander 


Expense 
Expenee 


Griffin 
Griffon 


Immovable 5 
Immoveable 


Leaven 
Leven 


Fleam 
Phleme 


Gulf 
Gulph 


Imbrue 
Embrue 


Licence, 8 s. 
License, v. 


Foretell 
Foretel 


Gunnel 
Gunwale 


Inferable 
Inferrible 


Licorice 
Liquorice 


Foundry 
Foundery 

Gaiety 
Gayety 4 


Halliards 
Halyards 

Harebrainec 
Hairbrained 


Indite 
Endite 

. Endue 
Indue 


Lilac 
Lilack 

Marquess 
Marquis 


Gaily 
Gayly* 


Haul 
Hale 


Innuendo 
Inuendo 


Mastic 
Mastich 



1 Enrol — See Rule III., page 94, and the Exceptions to it. 

2 Insure. — In words having a legal or special meaning, Insure is 
the correct form. — See page 99, No. 3. 

3 Entire. — See note, page 99. 

4 Gayly. — See the Exceptions to Rule I., page 87 

5 Immovable. — See Rule IV., page 94. 

6 Inquire. — See page 99, No. 3. 

7 Judgement. — See the Exceptions to Rule V., page 96. 

8 Licence. — Compare the words Practice and Practise ; Pro- 
phecy and Prophesy. — See page o2. 

e3 



106 WORDS SPELLED IK TWO Oil MORS WAtS, 



Molosses 


Potato 


Scissors 


Spiritous 


Molasses 


Potatoe 


Scissars 


Spirituous 


Moneys 1 


Pumpkin 


Sere 


Spinach 


Monies 


Pompion 


Sear 


Spinage 


Movable 


Purblind 


Sergeant 


Sponge 


Moveable 


Poreblind 


Serjeant 


Spunge 


Negotiate 


Ease 


Sempstress 


Stanch 


Negociate 


Eaze 


Seamstress 


Staunch 


Olio 


Here 


Show 


Strew 


Oglio 


Pear 


Shew 


Strow 


Palliasse 


Rosin 


Shyness 


Surname 


Paillasse 


Resin 


Shiness 


Sirname 


Pansy 


Reflection 


Siphon 


Thrash 3 


Pancy 


Reflexion 


Syphon 


Thresh 


Peddler 


Rennet 


Sirup 


Transferable 


Pedler 


Runnet 


Syrup 


Transferable 


Phial 


Ribbon 


Skate 2 


Visiter 


Vial 


Riband 


Scate 


Visitor 4 


Pincers 


Rotatory 


Sceptic 


Whoop 


Pinchers 


Rotary 


Skeptic 


Hoop 


Plat 


Sanitary 


Solder 


Woe 


Plot 


Sanatory 


Soder 


Wo 


Pommel 


Sat 


Spa 


Woful 


Pummel 


Sate 


Spaw 


Woeful 



1 Moneys. — This is the correct form. There is no authority 
whatever for monies. See the Exceptions No. 1 to Rule I., page 
87 ; and compare attorneys, valleys, &c. 

2 When a fish is meant, scate is now written ; and skate when 
it means to slide on skates. 

3 Thrash, when it means to drub, or heat soundly ; but thresh 
when applied to the beating out of corn from the straw. 

4 Visitor, when used in an official sense, as having visitoria 
power. See note on Abettor, page 103. 






10? 
OKTHOEPY; 

OR, THE 

CORRECT PRONUNCIATION OF WORDS. 



Pronunciation is just when every letter has its proper sound, and every 
syllable has its proper accent or quality. — Dr. Johnson. 

The difficulties of pronunciation arise from the 
nature of language; the imperfections of alpha- 
bets J 1 and the ignorance, carelessness or affectation 
of the generality of speakers. 

These difficulties are so numerous that it would 
be impossible to notice them all, even in the most 
cursory manner, in so small a work. 

We shall, however, give a few general principles 
which will be found to embrace almost all that is 
useful in practice. 

1 . The analogies of the language, the authority 
of lexicographers, and above all, the custom of the most 

1 A perfect alphabet would imply that the different sounds of 
the human voice had been carefully analysed, and accurately 
ascertained, and that to each of those sounds so ascertained, a 
sign or character was attached which should represent that sound 
and no other. But this is not the case in our, nor indeed in any 
alphabet. In some cases we have distinct sounds without proper 
or peculiar signs to represent them, and in others, we have two 
or more different signs or characters for the same sound. Oue 
alphabet is, therefore, both defective and redundant. The very- 
first letter of the alphabet, for instance, represents, without altera- 
tion or external change, four different and distinct sounds ; and 
with regard to all the other vowels, and several of the conson- 
ants, similar observations might be made. Hence the difficulties 
and inconsistencies in pronunciation and spelling. 



108 ORTHOEPY, OH THE 

correct and elegant speakers, are the guides to which 
we must refer in all cases of difficulty. Nor can these 
difficulties, in every case, be resolved by such references ; 
for we shall often find analogy opposed to analogy, au- 
thority to authority, and custom divided, even among 
the most elegant speakers. The following passage from 
u BoswelFs Life of Johnson" will serve as an illus- 
tration. 

" Boswell. — ' It may be of use, Sir, to have a dictionary 
to ascertain the pronunciation.' 

"Johnson. — 'Why, Sir, my dictionary shows you the 
accents of words, if you can but remember them.' 

" Boswell ' But, Sir, we want marks to ascertain the 

pronunciation of the vowels. Sheridan, I believe, has finished 
such a work.' 

" Johnson. — ' Why, Sir, consider how much easier it 
is to learn a language by the ear, than by any marks. 
Sheridan's dictionary may do very well; but you cannot 
always carry it about with y$u; and when you want the 
word, you have not the dictionary. It is like a man who 
has a sword that vail not draw. It is an admirable sword 
lo be sure; but while your enemy is cutting your throat, 
you are unable to use it. Besides, Sir, what entitles Sheridan 
to fix the pronunciation of English? 1 He has, in the first 
place, the disadvantage of being an Irishman ; and if he 
says he will fix it after the example of the best company, 
why they differ among themselves. I remember an instance : 
when I published the plan for my dictionary, Lord Chester- 

1 Sheridan's Dictionary was acknowledged, however, even by 
Walker, " to be generally superior to every thing that preceded 
it, and his method of conveying the sound of words by spelling 
them as they are pronounced, highly rational and useful." And 
Webster, the American lexicographer, thus speaks of his work : 
" His analysis of the English vowels is very critical, and in this 
respect, there has been little improvement by later writers, though 
I think none of them are perfectly correct. But in the appli- • 
cation of his principles, he failed of his object. In general, how- 
ever, it may be asserted that his notation does not warrant a 
tenth part as many deviations from the present respectable usage 
in England as Walker's." 



CORRECT PRONUNCIATION OF WORDS. 109 

field told me the word great should be pronounced so as to 
rhyme to state; and Sir William Yonge sent me word that it 
should be pronounced so as to rhyme to seat, and that none 
but an Irishman would pronounce it grait. Now, here were 
two men of the highest rank — the one the best speaker in the 
House of Lords, and the other the best speaker in the House 
of Commons, differing entirely.' M1 

In this case the pronunciation of Lord Chesterfield 
prevailed, 2 though opposed to analogy, because he was 
considered the most polite speaker of his day ; and in 
all similar cases, the analogies of the language, and the 
opinions of lexicographers must give way to what is 
considered the usage of the best and most polite 
speakers. 

2. In eases in which custom or authority is divided, 
we should give the preference to the pronunciation 
which is most in accordance with analogy. The word 
Rome, for instance, should be pronounced rdme rather 
than room ; and this is beginning to be the case, though 
the latter pronunciation was once thought u irrevocably 
fixed in the language." 3 



1 And on the same subject, the great Doctor obseryes of him- 
self—" Sir, when people watch me narrowly, and I do not watch 
myself, they will find me out to be of a particular county. In 
the same manner, Dunning may be found out to be a Devonshire 
man. So most Scotchmen may be found out. " 

2 Through the same influence the i in the word oblige lost its 
foreign or French sound. For till the publication of his " Letters,'* 
in which this pronunciation is proscribed, oblige was usually pro- 
nounced obleege ; as by Pope in the following well-known lines : 

" Dreading e'en fools, by flatterers besieged, 
And so obliging that he ne'er obliged" (pbleeged). 

3 See "Walker on this word. The pun which he quotes from 
Shakspeare, as a proof of the pronunciation of the word Borne in 
his time — 

*' Now it is Borne indeed, and room enough, 
Since its wide walls encompass but one man"— 

may be answered by another from the same author in favor of the 



110 ORTHOEPY, OE THE 

3. The three great and prevailing errors in pronun- 
ciation are vulgarity, pedantry, and affectation. 
Against each of these faults we should be constantly on 
our guard ; but most of all against affectation ; for 
it is by far the most odious. 

4. The following excellent observations from Dr, 
Johnson deserve particular attention : — 

" For pronunciation, the best general rule is to consider 
those of the most elegant speakers who deviate least from the 
written words. Of English, as of all living tongues, there is 
a double pronunciation, one cursory and colloquial, the other 
regular and solemn. The cursory pronunciation is always 
vague and uncertain, being made different in different mouths 
by negligence, unskilfulness, and affectation. The solemn 
pronunciation, though by no means immutable and permanent, 
is always less remote from the orthography, and less liable to 
capricious innovation. They [lexicographers] have, however, 
generally formed their tables according to the cursory speech 
of those with whom they happen to converse ; and, conclud- 
ing that the whole nation combines to vitiate language in 
one manner, have often established the jargon of the lower 
people as the model of speech." 1 



other pronunciation. In the first part of Henry VI., act 3, scene 
1, the Bishop of Winchester exclaims: " Rome shall remedy this ;" 
to which Warwick retorts, "Roam thither then." In Pope, too, 
authority for both pronunciations may be found, as in the fol- 
lowing couplets : 

" From the same foes at last both felt their doom; 
And the same age saw learning fall and Rome." 

" Thus when we view some well-proportioned dome, 
The world's just wonder, and even thine, Rome." 

If a rule such as is suggested above were folio wed, these, and 
all similar anomalies, would soon disappear. 

1 Walker, though he had this caution before his eyes, has not 
always profited by it; for in many instances he has given the col- 
loquial, and even vulgar pronunciation, as the " model of speech." 
For instance, he gives apurn as the pronunciation of apron, iurn 
of iron, and a-pos-sl of apostle. He also, in large classes of words, 



CORRECT PRONUNCIATION OF WORDS. Ill 

5. Every word of two 1 or more syllables has in pro- 
nunciation a certain accent, that is, a peculiar stress 
or force laid upon a particular syllable. 

If the accent in any word is misplaced, the pronun- 
ciation is injured or destroyed. Compare, for instance, 
the different pronunciations of refu'se and refuse; 
desert' and des'ert ; minu'te and min'ute. See also the 
class of words, page 46. 

a. Some words, in addition to the principal, have a 
secondary, 2 or weaker accent ; as in 

Ad'verti^se, Ab'sente^e, Com'plaisan^t, 

Ar"tizan', Ben^efac'tor, Conversation. 

6. The general tendency of our language is to accent 
the root and not the termination of a word. Hence 
the natural position of the accent in English words is 
in the first syllable. As a general rule, therefore, 
English or Saxon words should have the accent on the 
first syllable. 

This general rule is exemplified not only by the usual 
position of the accent in English or Saxon words, 
particularly in dissyleabees and trisyeeabees, but 
also by the tendency which we observe in our language 



favours affected pronunciations ; as in the word " ed-ju-ca-shun," 
which he calls " an elegant pronunciation of education. " He gives 
similar pronunciations to virtue (vertshu), ordeal, tedious, frontier, 
and all such words. It should also be kept in mind that several of 
the accents and vowel sounds have changed since his time; as in 
narrate and zenith, &c. These observations are not in depreciation 
of the great merits of Walker's Dictionary, but merely to put the 
learner on his guard. 

1 Monosyllables may have emphasis, but, as they consist of but one 
syllable, they cannot have accent. 

2 In the case of a polysyllabic word, a secondary accent is often 
necessary for its full enunciation ; and when it occurs in words of 
three syllables, it seems, generally, to be the result of a struggle for 
ascendancy between the foreign and English tendency. 



in 



ORTHOEPY, OR THE 



to bring words of foreign origin under the English or 
radical accent. 

a. The words memoir, bouquet, and reservoir, for instance, have 
been brought under the English accent, and complaisant, balcony, 
revenue, cravat, saline, and many others, are on the way. Hence 
also the popular pronunciation of the word police (namely, po-lis) ; 
and the colloquial, but nowrecognised pronunciation of boatswain, 
(bo'sn,) cockswain, (coctfsn,) cupboard, (cupbwrd,) &c. Many foreign 
words, however, particularly French, have struggled successfully 
against the English4endency ; as 



Antique 
Brazil 


Critique 
Fascine 


Palanquin 
Profile 


Ravine 
Recitative 


Bombasin 
Caprice 


Fatigue 
Grimace 


Quarantine 
Machine 


Repartee 
Routine 


Capuchin 


Invalid 


4Marine 


Tambourine 


Chagrin 
Chemise 


Pelisse 
Police 


Magazine 
Mandarin 


Tontine 
Unique 



b. With regard to words of Greek or Latin origin, it may be laid 
down as a general rule, that when they are adopted whole or with- 
out change the accent or quantity of the original word is usually 
preserved ; as in 

Anath'ema Dilem'ma Diplo'ma Hori'zon 

Acu'men Bitu'men Deco'rum Spectator 

c. In many such words, however, the English tendency has pre- 
vailed ; as in 



Or'ator 



Sen'ator 



Auditor 



Plethora 



7. This tendency is, however, counteracted to a 
certain extent by another natural tendency in the 
language. In words used as verbs, the tendency of the 
accent is to the termination, and not to the root. 1 
Hence, in verbs of two syllables, the accent is generally 
on the last, and in verbs of three syllables, on the last, 
or last but one. 

a. Hence, the unsettled position of the accent in such 
words as 



Confiscate, 
Compensate, 



Contemplate, 
Demonstrate, 



Enervate, 
Extirpate. 



1 See the claes of words, page 46. 



CORRECT PRONUNCIATION OF WORDS. 113 

Some authorities, following the general tendency, 
place the accent on the first syllable, as com'pensate ; 
while others hold that, as verbs, it is better to accent 
the second syllable, as compen'saie. 

8. The radical accent is also counteracted by the 
tendency in compound or derivative words to follow the 
accent of their primaries ; as in 

Admi'rer from adnii're Begin'ning from begin' 

Abet'tor ,, abet' Coinmen cement „ commence 

Profess'or ,, profess' Commit'tal „ commit' 

Assail'able „ assail' Coquet'ry ,, coquet'te 

a. In many cases, however, the radical or general 
tendency of the accent has prevailed ; as in 

Ad'mirable from admi're Advertisement from adverti'se 

Com'p arable „ compa're Chas'tisement „ chasti'sa 

Lam'entable „ lament' Dis'piitant ,, dispu'te 

b. In several words ths contest is, as yet, undecided, 
as in 

Acceptable or acceptable Disputable or dispu'table 

Com'mendableorcommend'able Con'fessor or confess'or 

9. The tendency in compound or derivative words 
to preserve the accent of their primaries, is crossed by 
another natural tendency, namely, the disposition in 
compound or derivative words to shorten the long 
sounds or syllables of their primaries ; as in the follow- 
ing words : — 

Depravity from deprave Maintenance from maintain 



Severity 


„ severe 


Shepherd „ 


sheepherd 


Divinity 


„ divine 


Splenetic „ 


spleen 


Consolatory 


„ console 


Gosling „ 


goose 


Granary 


„ grain 


Throttle 


throat 


Villany 


„ villain 


Pronunciation „ 


pronounce 


Desperate 


„ despair 


Southerly (u) „ 


south 



10. Accent, from its very nature, must affect not 
only the syllable under it, but also the syllable next 
it ; for in proportion as the one is dwelt upon, the 



114 



ORfflO£i% OK THE 



other is passed quickly over. This is exemplified hy 

the usual pronunciation of the unaccented syllable in 
the following words : — 

Cab'bage Fur'mXce Cli'm&te Cap'tam (i) 

Courage Menace Curate Fountain 

Image Palace Prelate Villain 

Village Solace Private Britain 



Foreign (i) 


Fa'vowr (u) 


Fa'mows (u) 


Carnage (#) 


Forfeit 


Fervour 


Pious 


Marriage 


Surfeit 


Humour 


Pompous 


Parliament 


Sovereign 


Labour 


Monstrous 


"William 



In the preceding words the unaccented syllable is 
pronounced quickly and indistinctly ; and in the case 
of a diphthong, one of the vowels is omitted altogether 
in the pronunciation. Compare, for example, the 
different sounds of the termination age in the words 
cab'bage and enga'ge, presage and presa'ge. Compare, 
also, the different pronunciations of the accented and 
unaccented syllables in the following words : — 

Coutam' (a) Cap'tain (£) Retain' (a) FomrWn (i) 

Alia/ (a) Swafdayd) Ally' (I) Sal'ly (0 

Deceit' (ee) For'feit {%) Conceit' (ee) Surfeit t) 

Perceive' (ee) For'eign (i) Survey' (a) Sur'vey 

1 1 . Hence it is that such combinations as ea, ia, ie, 
eo, io, eous, ious, following an accented syllable, are, in 
pronunciation, usually drawn into one sound or syllable, 
though composed of more than one vowel, as in 



Ocean (o'sMji) 

Logician (lo-jish r ari) 
Social (so'sMl) 

Partial (par'sh&ty 
Conscience {con'shense) 
Patient (pafshtnt) 



Surgeon (sur'juri) 
Luncheon (lun'shuri) 
Pension (pen'shun) 
Mention (men'shuri) 
Gorgeous (gor'jus) 
Gracious (gra'shus) 



1 Though in primitive words containing such combinations this 
rule generally holds, yet it is usually departed from in the deriva- 
tives. Thus Partial and Christian are pronounced as dissyllables, 
while their derivatives, Partiality and Christianity, are pronounced 
in five syllables, though only two are added. 



CORRECT PRONUNCIATION OF WORDS. 



115 



a. And when c, s, or t precedes any of these com- 
binations, it has, by the quickness of the enunciation, 
and the consequent blending of its sound with the 
vov/el, the force of sh, as in the examples just given. 

b. Hence the terminations rial, sial, and tied, are 
pronounced like shdl ; as in commemc?, controvert/, 
and martial. 

c. The terminations ceous, cious, and tious are pro- 
nounced like shus ; as in farinacea&s, capaczows, and 
contentious. 

d. The terminations geous and gious are pronounced 
like jus ; as in courageous and religious. 

e. The terminations sion and Hon are pronounced 
like shun ; as in mission and invention ; but the termi- 
nation sion, preceded by a vowel, is pronounced like 
zhun ; as in explosz'ora and confusion. 

] 2. The seat of the accent will generally serve as a 
guide in the pronunciation of final syllables in ice, ile, 
ike, ise, and ite. When the i is accented, it is lonfj, 
and when unaccented, it is usually short ; as in the 
following words : — 



Advice 


Novice 


Suffice 


Office 


Revile 


Ser'vile 


Combine 


Doctlme 


Premise 


Premise 


Despite 


Res'pite 


Av'arice 


Clandestine 


Jac'obShe 


Definite 


Benefice 


Cor'alline 


Jessamine 


Ex'quisite 


Cow'ardice 


Discipline 


Lib'ertine 


Fa'vorite 


Ju'venfle 


Eglantine 


Mas'culine 


Hyp'ocrite 


Mercantile 


Feminine 


Medicine 


Indefinite 


Pu'erile 


Genuine 


Nedarine 


In'finite 


Adamantine 


Her'oine 


Pafatine 


Op'posite 


Afkaline 


Hy'aline 


Ap'posfte 


Perquisite 


A'quiline 


Ima'gine 


Composite 


Requisite 



13. In such terminations, that is, final syllables in 
ice, ile, and ite, the i is sometimes long, though not 
under the accent ; x as in the following words : — 

That is, the principal accent. — See under No. 5, page 113. 



116 



ORTHOEPY, Oil THE 



Cock'atnce 

Sacrifice 

Croc'odile 

Cham'oniile 

Reconcile 

Infantile 

In fantine 

Asinine 



Brig'antzne 

Calamine 

Columbine 

Crystalline 

Gel'atine 

Incarnadine 

Leg'atine 

Le'onine 



Mus'cadme 

Porcupine 

Saccharine 

Satlirnine 

Ser'pentine 

Turpentine 

U'terine 

Ac'onite 



Anc'horlte 

Ap'petite 

Bedlamite 

Carmelite 

Expedite 

Eremite 

Parasite 

Sat'ellite 



a. It should be observed, however, that in each of 
the preceding words the i is evidently under a secondary 
accent, and therefore inclined to be long. — See No. 5. 

14. As we have already observed, a proper accentua- 
tion of words is essential to their just pronunciation ; 
and a proper accentuation can only be acquired by 
attending to the most correct speakers, and by consult- 
ing the most approved Dictionaries ; for words are under 
so many influences with regard to their accentuation, 
that it is scarcely possible to lay down a rule on the 
subject to which numerous exceptions may not be 
found. The following rules, however, (in addition to 
the General Principles which we have already ex- 
plained,) will be found useful to the learner. 

15. Words ending in cial, sial, tial, cian, tian, dent, 
tient, ceous, cious, tious, sion, tion, tiate, have the 
accent on the preceding syllable ; as 



Provincial 

Controrer'sial 

Substantial 



Physi'cian 
Christian 
An'cient 



Pa'tient 

Gra'cious 

Sententious 



Confu'sion 
Muta'tion 
Ingra'tiate 



1 6. Words ending in ety, ity, or ical, have also the 
accent on the preceding syllable ; as 

Propriety Insensibility Astronomical Emphatlcal 

Satiety Spontaneity Categorical Polemical 

17. When the termination ical is abbreviated into 
zc, the accent of the original word remains ; as 



Astronomic 
Angelic 



Emphatic 
Fanatic 



Harmonic 
Mechanic 



Polemic 
Specific 



CORRECT PRONUNCIATION OF WORDS. 117 

1 8. In English, as has been observed, the favourite 
accent in polysyllables is on the antepenult, or last 
syllable but two ; but in many cases the accent has 
been transferred to that position from the radical part 
of the word, for the greater harmony and ease of pro- 
nunciation ; as in 



An'gel 


Angel'ical 


Sa'tan 


Satan'ical 


Har'mony 


Harmonious 


Sa'tire 


Satirical 


Rhet'oric 


Rhetorical 


Victory 


Victorious 



19. In uniting simple words into a compound, there 
is a tendency to simplify the compound as much as 
possible, by throwing the accent on that syllable in 
which the simple words unite. Hence, words with the 
following terminations have the accent on the ante- 
penult, or last syllable but two : — 



-craey, as democ'raey 
-ferous, as somnif 'erous 
-fluent, as circum'fluent 
-Jiuous, as superfluous 
-gamy, as polyg'amy 
-gonal, as diag'onal 
-graphy, as geog'raphy 
-logy, as philol'ogy 
-loquy, as ventril'oquy 
-machy, as logom'achy 



-iwithy, as polyrn'athy 
-meter, as baroin'eter 
-nomy, as econ'omy 
-parous, as ovip'arous 
-pathy, as antip'athy 
-phony, as eu'phony 
-strophe, as catastrophe 
-tomy, as anat'omy 
-vomous, as igniv'omous 
-vorous as omniv'orous 



a. Some words are differently accented, according 
as they are used as nouns or verbs. — See page 52. 

20. Of foreign words admitted into our language, 
particularly French, there is usually a threefold pro- 
nunciation. 1. The original or foreign pronunciation. 
2. The English pronunciation. 3. A pronunciation 
which is neither English nor foreign, but between the 
two. In this case, the middle course is not the best 
but it is perhaps right to encourage it as a step in ad- 
vance towards an honest English pronunciation. 

In another part of this work will be found a col- 



118 ORTHOEPY, OR THE 

lection of French and foreign words which have been 
introduced into our language without change. 1 ' 

21. Some Greek and Latin words retain the pro- 
nunciation of e final, though in such a position in Eng- 
lish it is always silent f as in 



Acme 


Catastrophe 


Strophe 


Cicerone 


Apostrophe 


Epitome 


Recipe 


Finale 


Anemone 


Hyperbole 


Simile 


Ration alS 



22. The diphthong an before n and another consonant 
should be sounded like the long Italian a, as in far 
and father? In some words of this class, however, it is 
pronounced, particularly by persons who are ambitious 
of being thought to speak better than their neighbours, 
like aw in awe. Avaunt and vaunt are perhaps the 
only words of this class which should be considered as 
exceptions. 4 

EXAMPLES OF IRISH VULGARISMS. 

23. The uneducated, and sometimes the educated 
Irish, err in the pronunciation of the following sounds 
and letters, ea, ei, ey, oo, ou, a, e, i, o, u; d, t, l 3 and r; 
as in the following words : — 

Plase for please 
Desate „ deceit 
Resate „ receipt 



1 To employ a foreign word, when there is one in our own 
language to express the same idea, is a mark of silly affectation 
and petty pedantry. 

2 That is, it does not constitute an additional syllable, but it 
usually modifies the sound of the preceding vowel ; as in fat, 
fate ; m£t, mete, pin, pine, &c. 

3 And as it is by every one in aunt, jaunt, jaundice, laundry, 
launch, Saunders, &c. 

4 The u in such words (for it does not really belong to them) 
must have crept in to represent the drawling and affected sound 
of a before n, as we sometimes hear in the pronunciation of 
can't (cawn't), shan't, command, &c. Staunch, the old spell- 
ing of stanch, is an additional illustration of this. 



Lave 


for leave 


Tay 


„ tea 


Nate 


„ neat 



CORRECT PRONUNCIATION OF WORDS. 1 


Resave foi 


receive 


Twinty 


for 


twenty 


Convee „ 


convey 


Cowld 


5» 


cold 


Obee 


obey 


Bould 


,, 


bold 


Shuk „ 


shook 


Bush 


,, 


bush (00) 


Tuk 


took 


Push 


V 


push 


Fut 


foot 


Pull 


» 


pull 


Stud 


stood 


Cushion 




cushion 


Coorse „ 


course 


Loudher 




louder 2 


Coorse ,, 


coarse 


Broadher 


,, 


broader 


Soorce „ 


source 


Watther 


„ 


water 


Getheri „ 


gather 


Betther 


1> 


better 


Ketch „ 


catch 


Hel-um 


5> 


helm 


Sinsare „ 


sincere 


Reai-una 




realm 


Schame ,, 


scheme 


Ar-um 


,, 


arm 


Plinty „ 


plenty 


Har-um 


„ 


harm 



119 



24. The learner should collect all the words in which 
such errors are likely to occur 3 , and habituate himself 
to a correct pronunciation of them. Also, all such 



1 Gather. — This error (giving a the short sound of e) belongs 
to the north of Ireland and Scotland. 

2 D, like its cognate letter i, is often mispronounced by the un- 
educated Irish. Thus, though they sound the d correctly in the 
positive degree of such words as proud, loud, broad, yet in the 
comparative, they thicken it by an aspiration, and pronounce it 
as if written dh (proudher, loudher, broadher). The same observa- 
tion applies to t in such cases, as in fitter {fitther), hotter (hotther), 
and all words similarly formed, as water, butter, &c. This is a 
very vulgar pronunciation, and should be avoided. And it is 
easy to do so ; for as they pronounce the d or t properly in loud, 
broad, fit, and hot, they have only to pronounce the first syllable 
distinctly, and then add without an aspiration the termination 
er. The affected pronunciation of these letters, d and t, in such 
words as education and actual, should be equally avoided. — See 
page 20 of the author's English Dictionary. 

s The digraph ea, for instance, has always the sound of ee, ex- 
cept in the words given under the head of " Irregular Sounds," 
page 77. In the words referred to, ea has either the sound of e, 
as in met; or of a, as in fate; or of a as in far. Hence it may be 
inferred, as a general rule, that in all other words ea has the sound 

O/EE. 

Again, ei also has usually the sound of ee, except in the words 
given under the head of " Irregular Sounds," page 78. Hence it 
may be inferred, that in cdl other words ei has the sound o/ee. 



120 ORTHOEPY, OR THE . 

vulgarisms as "jommetry," " joffgraphy," "hoighth," 
" tenth," "strenth," " breth '' (breadth), "flure" 
(floor), " readin," " writin," " aljaybra " (al'gebra), for 
the purpose of guarding against them. 

EXAMPLES OF ENGLISH VULGARISMS. 

25. The principal vulgarisms of the uneducated 
English, particularly of the Cockneys or natives of Lon- 
don, consist : — 

1. In the use of w for v and v forw; as, " Fine, weal, and wine- 
gar, are tvery good wittles, I wow ! "* 

2. In sounding h where it should not, and in omitting it where 
it ought to be heard ; as, " Give my orse some hoats." 2 

3. In introducing the sound of r into some words in which it 
has no place, and in excluding it from others to which it belongs ; 
as in idear, winder, Mariar, feller; boar for boa? marm for 
ma'am, bam for barm, laud for lord, fast for first, bust for burst, 
dust for durst, &c. 

26. In England the following words are frequently 
confounded by uneducated and careless speakers : — 

Add Air Awl And 

Had Hair Hall Hand 

Aft Ale Alter Arbour 

Haft Hale Halter Harbour 

Ail All Am Ardour 

Hail Hall Ham Harder 



i It is the same worthy citizen I suppose that is introduced in 
the following short dialogue : — 

Citizen. — Villiam, I vants my vig. 

Servant. — Vitch vig, sir ? 

Citizen. — Vy the vite vig in the vooden vig-box, vitch I vore 
last Vensday at the Westry. 

2 " It was quite impossible to witness unmoved the impressive 
solemnity with which he poured forth his soul in ' My 'art's in 
the 'ighlands,' or * The brave old HoaJc.' " — Dickens. 

3 As, " She had a black boar about her neck," 



CORRECT PRONUNCIATION OF WORDS. 



121 



Ark 
Hark 


Ear 
Hear 


Ire 

Hire 


Owe 
Hoe 


Arm 
Harm 


Eat 
Heat 


Is 
His 


Wales 
Whales 


Arras 
Harass 


Eaves 
Heaves 


Islands 
Highlands 


Ware 

Where 


Arrow 
Harrow 


Eddy 
Heady 


It 
Hit 


Way 
Whey 


Art 
Heart 


Edge 
Hedge 


Itch 
Hitch 


Wen 
When 


As 
Has 


Eel 
Heel 


Oaks 
Hoax 


Wig 
Whig 


Ash 
Hash 


Eight 
Hate 


Oar 
Hoar 


Wight 
White 


Asp 
Hasp 


Elm 
Helm 


Old 
Hold 


Wile 
While 


At 
Hat 


Erring 
Herring 


Osier 
Hosier 


Wine 
Whine 


Ate 
Hate 


Ewer 
Hewer 


Otter 
Hotter 


Wist 
Whist 


Aunt 
Haunt 


Eye 
High 


Our 
Hour 


Witch 
Which 


Awe 
Haw 


Hanker 
Anchor 


Owl 
Howl 


Wither 
Whither 


Axe 

Hacks 


111 
Hill 


Own 
Hone 


Wot 
What 



122 



A COLLECTION 

OF ALMOST ALL THE DIFFICULT AND IRREGULAR 
WORDS IX THE LANGUAGE.* 



[The pronunciation and the explanations of each of these 
■words will, when required, be found in the author's Diction art, 
to which the learner can refer. Many of these words indeed 
will appear very easy to the reader, but that is because they are 
familiar to him. To persons unacquainted with them, such as 
children and foreigners, the irregular or unusual sounds of the 
letters occasion great difficulty. Besides, even the easiest of them 
will serve to recall the reader's attention to the preceding Prin- 
ciples of Pronunciation.] 



Aborigines 


Adamantine 


Alkaline, 12 


Anathema, 6 


Abroad 


Adept, 6 


Allegro 


Anchoret 


Acacia 


Adulator 


Alleluiah 


Anchorite, 


Acceptable 


Adulatory 


Alms 


Anchovy 


Accessary 


Adult 


Almoner 


Ancient 


Accomplice 


Adust 


Aloes 


Ancillary 


Accompt 


Advertise, 5 


Altercate 


Angel 


Accomptant 


Advertiser, * 


1 Alternate 


Angelic, 


Accoutre 


Again 


Alumine 


Angle 


Accrue 


Aghast 


Alvine 


Anguish 


Acetous 


Agile, 12 


Amaranthine 


} Anility, 


Achieve, 


Agone 


Ambages, 6 


Anise, 12 


Acme, 


Ague 


Ambergris 


Anodyne 


Acolyte, 13 


Aisle 


Ambush 


Anonymous 


Acotyledon 


Albeit 


Amethystine 


Answer 


Aconite 


Alchymy 


Amiable 


Antalgic 


Acoustics 


Alcohol 


Amour 


Anthracite 


Acquiesce 


Alcoholic 


Amphibious 


Antipodes 


Acre 


Alguazil 


Amphisbsena Antiquary 


Adamantean Alien 


Anachronism 


l Antique 



1 The numbers after the words refer to the preceding Principles 
of Pronuncia tio n. 



DIFFICULT AND IRREGULAR WORDS. 



123 



Antiquity 

Antre 

Anxiety 

Anxious, " 

Aphaeresis 

Apocrypha 



Asthmatic 
Atheist 
Atrocious, ] 
Atrocity, 9 
Auln 
Auspice, 12 



Apophthegm Autumn 
Apostle Autumnal 

Applicability Auxiliary 
Apposite, 12 Avalanche 



Apprentice 

Approval 

Apricot 

Aquatic 

Aqueduct 

Aqueous 

Aquiline 

Arabesque 

Archangel 

Architect 

Architrave 

Archives 

Area 

Arena 

Argil 

Argillaceous 

Aroma 

Armistice 

Artifice 

Asafoetida 

Asbestine 

Asinine, 13 

Assign 

Assignation 

Assignee 

Assuage 

Asthma 



Avoirdupois 
Avouch 

Bade 

Balcony, 6 

Balsam 

Balsamic 

Bandana 

Banian 

Banquet 

Barouche, *° 

Battalion 

Bayonet 

Becafico 

Behove 

Benign 

Benignity 

Bequeath 

Biscuit 

Bissextile 

Bitumen 

Bivouac 

Blaspheme 

Blasphemous 

Boatswain 

Bombard 

Bombardier 



Bombasin 

Borough 

Bosom 

Boudoir, *° 

Bouilli 

Bouillon 

Bouquet, 6 

Bourgeon 

Bowline, 12 

Bowsprit 

Brazier 

Brazil 

Break 

Breakfast, 9 

Brevet 

Brevier 

Brigand 

Brigantine 

Britzska 

Brooch 

Bruise 

Brunette 

Brusque 

Bulletin 

Bullion 

Buoy 

Buoyant 

Bureau 

Burial 

Burlesque 

Bury 

Business 

Busy 

Cabal 

Cabaret 
Caboose 



Cabriolet, *° 

Cajeput 

Calamine, 

Calcareous 

Caldron 

Cambric 

Camelopard 

Campaign 

Canaille 

Canine, 6 

Canoe 

Canorous 

Capillary 

Caprice 

Capricious 

Captain 

Capuchin 

Carabine 

Caries 

Carriage, 

Casque 

Cassia 

Cassino 

Catachresis 

Catarrh 

Catastrophe 

Catechism 

Catechist 

Catholicism 

Cavalier 

Cavatina 

Caviare 

Cazique 

Centre 

Centrifugal 

Centripetal 

Chagrin 

f2 



124 



DIFFICULT AND IRREGULAR WORDS. 



Chalice, la 

Chamber 

Chameleon 

Chamois, 20 

Chamomile 

Champagne 

Champaign 

Chaos 

Chaperon 

Charade 

Charlatan 

Charlatanical 

Charlatanry 

Chart 

Chasm 

Chasten 

Chastise 

Chastisement 

Cheerful, 9 

Chemise 

Chevalier 

Chicane 

Chivalry 

Chlorine 

Chocolate 

Choir 

Chorister 

Chough 

Christianity 

Chrysalis 

Chrysolite 

Chyle 

Chyme 

Cicatrice 
Cinque 
Circuit 
Clandestine 



Clarion 


Constable 


Cromlech 


Clerk 


Construe 


Crosier 


Clique 


Contagious 


Cucumber 


Clough 


Contemn 


Cuerpo 


Cocagne 


Contemner 


Cuirass, 20 


Cochineal 


Contemning 


Cuisse 


Cockswain, 6 


Contemplate 


Cushion 


Cocoa 


Contrary, 6 




Cognizance 


Contrite, 13 


Dahlia 


Coigne 


Conversant 


Daunt 


Colloquy 


Coppice, 12 • 


Dearth 


Colonel 


Coquet 


Debtor 


Colonnade, 8 


Coquetry, 8 


Decorous 


Colour 


Coquette 


Decorum, 6 


Column 


Coriaceous, 1 ' 


1 Defalcation 


Comely 


Cornice 


Definite, 12 


Comfrey 


Corollary 


Deign 


Commissary 


Corps, 20 


Deity, 16 


Compensate 


Corsair 


Delicious, u 


Complacent 


Cortege 


Demagogue 


Complaisance Cough 


Demesne 


Condemn 


Coulter 


Denier 


Condemned 


Counterfeit 


Dentifrice 


Condemning 


Couple 


Dernier 


Condign 


Courage, 10 


Desuetude 


Conduit 


Couragious 


Desultory 


Confessor 


Courier 


Detour 


Confidant 


Courteous 


Devastate 


Confidante 


Courtesy 


Devastation 


Confiscate, ' 


Cousin 


Devoir 


Conge, 20 


Covenant 


Diachylon 


Conjure 


Covetous 


Diaeresis 


Connoisseur 


' Cowardice 


Dialogue 


Conquer 


Cozen 


Diamond 


Conquest 


Cravat 


Diaphragm 


Console 


Crevice 


Diarrhoea 


Consolatory 


' Critique 


Diastole," 



DIFFICULT AND IRREGULAR WORDS. 



125 



Dicotyledon 


Duenna 


Equable 


Falchion 


Dilatory 


Dungeon, " 


Equator 


Falcon 


Dimissory 


Duress, 6 


Equatorial 


Falconer 


Diphthong 


Dynasty 


Equerry 


Falconet 


Discipline 




Equinox 


Falsetto 


Discomfit 


Eclat, 20 


Equipage 


Familiar 


Discretion, 1 


Eclogue 


Equivoque 


Famine 


Disembogue 


Egotism 


Ermine, 12 


Fanatic 


Disfranchise 


Egotist 


Escalade 


Farina, 6 


Dishabille 


Eider 


Eschalot- 


Farrago 


Dishevel 


Elicit 


Eschew 


Fascine 


Disputable 


Elite 


Escritoire 


Fatigue 


Disputant, 8 


Empiric 


Escutcheon 


Fealty 


Dissolubility - Empty 


Espalier 


Feather 


Dissoluble 


Empyrean 


Especial 


Febrile 


Distich 


Encore 


Espionage 


Feign 


Docible 


Endeavour 


Etiquette 


Feint 


Docile, 12 


Enervate 


Eucharist 


Felloe 


Doctrinal 


Enfilade 


Exaggerate 


Felucca 


Doctrine 


Enfranchise 


Exemplary 


Feminine 


Doge, 20 


Engine, 12 


Exequies 


Ferocious 


Domicile 


Ennui 


Exergue 


Ferocity 


Dose 


Enough 


Exorcise 


Fertile, 


Double 


En passant 


Explicit 


Fibre 


Doublet 


Ensign 


Expugn 


Fief 


Doubt 


Ensigncy 


Exquisite 


Fierce 


Douceur 


Entomb 


Extinguish 


Fiery 


Dough 


Envelop 


Extirpate, 7 


Filial 


Doughty 


Envelope 


Eyry 


Finesse 


Drachm 


Environ 




Flaccid 


Drachma 


Environs 


Fabric 


Flageole 


Drama 


Epaulet 


Facade, m 


Flambea 


Draught 


Epergne 


Facile 


Flaunt, M 


Drought- 


Epilogue 


Facetise 


Flourish 


Ducat, 6 


Epiphany 


Fac-simile 


Focile 


Ductile 


Epitome, 21 


Factitious 


Foliage 


Dudgeon, " 


Equal 


Falcated 


Foreign, 



123 



DIFFICULT AND IRREGULAR WORDS. 



Forfeit 


Gillyflower 


Hauberk 


Import 


Fracas, 20 


Gimp 


Haunt, 22 


Important 


Fragile, 12 


Gin 


Hautboy 


Impugn 


Franchise 


Gingham 


Hauteur, 20 


Incendiary 


Frankincense Giraffe 


Haut-gout 


Inchoate 


Freight 


Glacier 


Hecatomb 


Inchoative 


Frequent 


Glacis 


Hegira 


Indecorous 


Fricassee 


Goitre 


Heifer 


Indefinite 


Frigid 


Gorgeous 


Heinous 


Indict 


Frontier 


Gouge 


Hemistich 


Indictment 


Fulsome 


Gourd 


Hemorrhage 


: Indigenous 


Funereal 


Gout 


Heroine, 12 


Indisputable 


Furlough 


Governante 


Hideous 


Indissoluble 


Furnace 


Grenade 


Hogshead 


Indocile 


Fusil 


Grisette 


Holm 


Infantile 


Fasilier 


Guaiacum 


Honey 


Infinite 


Futile 


Guano 


Hosier 


Inimical 




Guardian 


Hostile 


Initial 


Galiot 


Guava 


Hostler 


Insignia 


Galleon 


Guerdon 


Hough 


Intaglio 


Galoche 


Guinea 


Housewife 


Interstice 


Galoches 


Guitar 


Huguenot 


Intestine 


Gamboge 


Gunwale 


Humble 


Intrigue 


Gaol 


Gymnastic 


Hyena 


Invalid 


Gauge 


Gypsum 


Hygeian 


Inveigh 


Gauger 


Gyves 


Hymeneal 


Inveigle 


Gaimt 




Hymn 


Inventory 


Gauntlet 


Halcyon 


Hymning 


Iota 


Genuine 


Halfpenny 


Hyphen 


Isthmus 


Gewgaw 


Hallelujah 


Hypocrite 




Gherkin 


Halliard 


Hypotenuse 


Jacobine 


Gibber 


Halser 


Hyssop 


Jaguar 


Gibberish 


Halve 




Jalap 


Gibbet 


Halves 


Idea 


Jaundice 


Gibbous 


Harangue 


Idiot 


Jeopardy 


Gills 


Harlequin 


Illicit 


Jessamine 


Gill 


Harrier 


Imbecile 


Jet-d'eau 



DIFFICULT AND IRREGULAR WORDS. 



127 



Jocose 

Jonquille 

Journal 

Judaism 

Judiciary 

Judicious 

Jugular 

Juvenile 

Kerchief 

Know 

Knowledge 

Lache 

Laconic 

Lacquer 

Laity 

Landau 

Language 

Languid 

Laniard 

Lattice 

Laudanum 

Laughable 

Laundress 

Laundry 

Laurel 

Lava 

League 

Legend 

Legendary 

Leisure 

Leopard 

Lethe 

Lettuce 

Leviathan 

Libertine 



Licentiate 

Licorice 

Lichen 

Lieu 

Lieutenant 

Lilac 

Limekiln 

Limn 

Limner 

Lingual 

Liquid 

Liquor 

Liquefy 

Litigious 

Live-long 

Livelihood 

Longevity 

Loquacious 

Loquacity 

Lose 

Lough 

Lucre 

Luncheon 

Lunette 

Macaroni 

Machine 

Machinist 

Magazine 

Mahomet 

Malecontent 

Malign 

Malignity 

Malmsey 

Mammillary 

Mandarin 

Manoeuvre 



Mantua 


Militia 


Marauder 


Million 


Marchioness 


Mineral, 9 


Mareschal 


Miniature 


Marine 


Minion 


Maritime 


Minute, 10 


Marline 


Mirage, 20 


Marmorean 


Miscellany 


Marque 


Mischief 


Marquee 


Mischievous 


Marquess • 


Missile 


Marquetry 


Mistletoe 


Marriage 


Mobile, n 


Masculine 


Moccason 


Masquerade 


Money 


Massacre 


Moresque 


Ma trice 


Mortgage 


Matron 


Mortise 


Matronal 


Mosque 


Maugre 


Mosquito 


Mausoleum 


Movable 


Medicament 


Muscle 


Medicinal 


Mustache 


Medicine 


Myrrh 


Mediocre 




Melange, 20 


1ST APHTHA 


Melee 


Nation 


Meliorate 


National 


Memoir 


Natural 


Menace 


Nature 


Menagerie 


Nausea 


Mercantile 


Nectarine 


Messuage 


Neighbour 


Meteor 


Nephew 


Mezzo 


Nereid 


Mezzotinto 


Nicety 


Mignonette 


Niche 



128 



DIFFICULT AND IRREGULAR WORDS. 



Nitre 


Pageantry 


Peruke 


Nonchalance Palanquin 


Peruse 


Nonpareil 


Palatine 


Pewter 


Nothing, 9 


Palette 


Phaeton 


Notice 


Palfrey 


Phalanx 


Nourish 


Pall-Mali 


Phlegm 


Nubile, 12 


Palmy 


Phoenix 


Nuisance 


Palsy 


Phosphorus 


Nymph 


Paltry 


Phthisic 




Panacea 


Phthisis 


Oasis 


Panegyric 


Physic 


Obduracy 


Parachute 


Physician 


Obdurate 


Parliament 


Piety 


Obedient 


Paroquet 


Pillion 


Obeisance 


Paroxysm 


Pinion 


Obey 


Parterre 


Pinnace 


Oblique 


Partial 


Picturesque 


Obloquy 


Paschal 


Piebald 


Obsequies 


Pasquinade 


Pigeon 


Officiate 


Pasty 


Pioneer 


Olio 


Patent 


Piquant 


Omega 


Patentee 


Pique 


Once 


Patrol 


Piquet 


Onion 


Patron 


Pirouette 


Opaque 


Patronage 


Piteous 


Opposite 


Peasant 


Pitiable 


Orchestre 


Pedagogue 


Plagiarism 


Ordeal 


Pelisse 


Plague 


Ordinary 


Penguin 


Plaguy 


Orgies 


Pensile, 12 


Plaintiff 


Orifice 


Pentateuch 


Plebeian 


Orison 


People 


Plethoric 


Orthoepy 


Perdue 


Plethora, 6 


Osier 


Peremptory 


Plover 




Perfume 


Plumber 


Pacha 


Perquisite 


Plural 


Pageant 


Persuade 


Poignant 



Polemic 

Police 

Polygon 

Poniard 

Pontine, 12 

Pontoon 

Porcelain 

Porpoise 

Portmanteau 

Posse 

Posy 

Poultice 

Precipice 

Prejudice 

Premier 

Premise 

Presage 

Prescience 

Prestige 

Presumption 

Pristine 

Private, 10 

Privy 

Proceeds 

Profile 

Projectile 

Prologue 

Promenade 

Promise 

Pronounce 

Prorogue 

Proselyte 

Prussian 

Prussic 

Psalm 

Psalter 

Pseudo 



DIFFICULT AND IRREGULAR WORDS. 



129 



Ptisan 


Rapier 


Rhetorical 


Sanguine 


Pudding 


Rapine, 12 


Rheum 


Sapphire 


Puerile, 12 


Raspberry 


Rhomb 


Sarcenet 


Puisne 


Ratio 


Rhubarb 


Satellite 


Puissance 


Ration 


Rhyme 


Satiety 


Puissant 


Rational 


Righteous 


Satire 


Pumice 


Ravine 


Rigid 


Satirical 


Pumpion, " 


Realm 


Risible 


Satirist 


Puncheon 


Reason 


Rochet 


Satirize 


Purlieu 


Receipt 


Roquelaure 


Satyr 


Pursuivant 


Receptacle 


Rosin 


Saunter 




Recipe 


Rouge 


Sausage 


Quadrille 


Recondite 


Rouleau 


Scallion 


Qualify 


Reconnoitre 


Rout 


Scallop 


Quality 


Recruit 


Route 


Scene 


Quandary 


Recusant 


Routine 


Scenic 


Quantity 


Redoubt 


Row 


Sceptic 


Quarantine 


Rehearse 


Rowel 


Sceptre 


Quarrel 


Relate 


Rowlock, 9 


Schedule 


Quarry 


Relative 


Rudiment 


Schism 


Quartz 


Rendezvous 


Ruffian 


Schismatic 


Quash 


Repartee 


Ruse 


Scimitar 


Quaver 


Repertory 




Scirrhus 


Querulous 


Reptile 


Sabaoth 


Scissors 


Query 


Requiem 


Sabre 


Scourge 


Question 


Requisite 


Sacrament 


Screw 


Quinine 


Rescue 


Sacred 


Scutcheon 


Quoit 


Reservoir 


Sacrifice 


Scythe 


Quota 


Resign 


Sagacious 


Secret 


Quote 


Resignation 


Sagacity 


Secretary 


Quotient 


Resin 


Saline 


Seignior 




Respite 


Salique 


Seneschal 


Radius 


Retinue 


Saliva 


Se'nnight 


Ragout 


Revenue 


Salmon 


Sepulchre 


Raillery 


Reverie 


Saltpetre 


Seraglio 


Raisin 


Rhapsody 


Salve 


Sergeant 


Rancour 


Rhetoric 


Salver 


Servile 
f3 



130 



DIFFICULT AND IKREGULAH WORDS. 



Sewer 

Sextile 

Shoe 

Shough 

Siesta 

Sieve 

Sign 

Signify 

Slaughter 

Sleight 

Slough 

Sloven 

Sluice 

Smoulder 

Soiree, 20 

Sojourn 

Solace 

Solder 

Soldier 

Solemn 

Solemnize 

Soliloquy 

Solstice 

Sombre 

Sonorous 

Sortie 

Souchong 

Sous 

Southerly, f 

Sovereign 

Spaniel 

Special 

Species 

Specify 

Specious 

Spectre 

Spinach 



Springe 

Springy 

Stalactite, 13 

Stalagmite 

Steppe 

Sterile 

Stipend 

Stipendiary 

Stomach 

Stomacher 

Strophe 

Sturgeon 

Suasive 

Subaltern 

Sublunar 

Sublunary 

Subtile, l2 

Subtle 

Successor, 8 

Sugar 

Suggest 

Suicide 

Suite 

Sumach 

Sumptuous 

Sure 

Surfeit, 10 

Surgeon 

Surplice 

Surtout, 20 

Sword 

Synagogue 

Syncope 

Synonyme 

Tambour 
Tambourine 



Tapestry 

Tapioca 

Tapis 

Target 

Taunt, ** 

Tenable 

Tenacious 

Tenacity 

Tenor 

Terrace 

Tetrarch 

Textile 

Thames 

Theatre 

Theologian 

Theology 

Thorough 

Threepence 

Tissue 

Tontine 

Tortoise 

Tourniquet 

Toward 

Tragedian 

Tragedy 

Trait, 20 

Traverse 

Travesty 

Troubadour 

Unguent 

Unique 

Usquebaugh 

Vacillate 

Vaccine 
Vague 



Valet, 20 

Variegate 

Vase 

Vaunt, 

Vehicle 

Venison 

Verdigris 

Vermicelli 

Vermilion 

Vertebre 

Vertigo 

Victuals 

Victualler 

Vignette 

Virago 

Virtu 

Viscount 

Visor 

Vizier 

Volatile 

Wacke 

Wainscot 

Weapon 

Widgeon 

Wolf 

Woman 

Women 

Wound 

Wrath 11 

Wry 

Yacht 

Yeoman 

Yolk 

Zenith 

Zoophyte 



131 



A COLLECTION OF THE MOST DIFFICULT 
WORDS IN THE LANGUAGE, 

SO ARRANGED AS TO AFFORD A PRACTICAL EXERCISE IN 
PRONUNCIATION AS WELL AS IN SPELLING. 



[The following words, in suitable numbers, should be assigned 
to the pupils as a lesson in Pronunciation, Spelling, and Ex- 
planation according to the plan recommended in page 12. For 
the more difficult or unusual words they should refer to their 
Dictionaries previous to the lesson. But in most cases it will be 
found that they will be able to explain them, in their own lan- 
guage, with sufficient accuracy, particularly if they avail them- 
selves of the assistance derivable from the prefixes, affixes, 
and roots,* with which they should be previously and perfectly 
acquainted.] 



Abeyance 

Acne 

Acre 

Ague 

Alien 

Amiable 

Ancient 

Angel 

Apron 

Aqueous 

Arraign 

Ascertain 

Assuage 



Assay 

Aviary 

Bayonet 

Bear 

Brazier 

Brocade 

Brigade 

Caitiff 

Caliph 

Cambric 

Campaign 

Cater 

Chaise 

Chamber 



Champagne 


Debonair 


Chaos 


Deign 


Charade 


Dissuasive 


Chasten 


E'er 


Chicane 


Eight 


Clayey 


Eighth 


Colonnade 


Emaciate 


Complacent 


Equator 


Contagious 


Ere 


Convey 


Fane 


Crayon 


Farrago 


Cutaneous 


Feign 


Dahlia 


Freight 


Danger 


Gaiety 



* Page 145 to 208 inclusive. 

1 The vowel sounds in the monosyllables, and the accented syl- 
lables in the other words, have the long slender sound of a, as in 
fate and paper. 



132 



A COLLECTION OF THE MOST 



Gaol 


Plaguy 


Weight 


Half 


Gauge 


Prairie 


Yea 


Harlequin 


Great 


Purveyor 




Harpsichord 


Grenade 


Quandary 


(2.) 


Haunch 


Halfpenny- 


Quaint 


Almond 


Haunt 


Halfpence 


Rail 


Alms 


Heart 


Harebrained Raiment 


Archives 


Hearth 


Heinous 


Rain 


Are 


Hearken 


Hiatus 


Raisin 


Aunt 


Hussar 


Impair 


Ratio 


Bargain 


Jaundice 


Inveigh 


Reign 


Barque 


Jaunt 


Knavish 


Rein 


Bazaar 


Jaunty 


Lair 


Sabre 


Bravo 


Laugh 


Manger 


Satiate 


Calf 


Laughable 


Masquerade Scrape 


Calm 


Launch 


Matron 


Scarce 


Catarrh 


Laundry 


Nasal 


Seine 


Charlatan 


Mall 


Nay 


Skein 


Charnel 


Mamma 


Ne'er 


Sleigh 


Chart 


Martyr 


Neigh 


Spontaneous 


\ Cigar 


Marque 


Neighbour 


Square 


Clarion 


Palm 


Obeisance 


Suasive 


Clerk 


Palmy 


Obey^ 


Subterranean Daunt 


Parliament 


Occasion 


There 


Eclat 


Partisan 


Opaque 


Their 


Embalm 


Pharmacy 


Parterre 


They 


Fabric 


Psalm 


Pasty 


Trait 


Facade 


Psalmist 


Patriarch 


Unfeigned 


Finance 


Psalmody 


Patent 


Vague " 


Flaunt 


Qualm 


Patron 


Yein 


Gargle 


Rather 


Pear 


Virago 


Gaunt 


Salve 


Persuade 


Wear 


Gauntlet 


Saunter 


Phaeton 


Whey 


Guard 


Scarf 


Plagiarism 


Where 


Guardian 


Sergeant 


Plague 


Weigh 


Guitar 


Spa 


2 The long 


Italian sound of < 


7, as in far and,/ 


a$er.— See Note 1 



DIFFICULT WORDS IN THE LANGUAGE. 133 



Taunt 


Battalion 


Undaunted 


Camelopard 




Canvass 


(3. 


Captain 


Abscess 


Carriage 


Academy 


Casque 


Accessary 


Catalogue 


Accessory 


Catechism 


Acetic 


Caterpillar 


Acme 


Chalice 


Adequate 


Chamois 


Adjutant 


Character 


Aghast 


Charm 


Alchymy 


Chasm 


Alcohol 


Chastisement 


Amalgam 


Chastitv 


Anachronism Confidant 


Anathema 


Drachm 


Answer 


Draught 


Aquatic 


Emphatic 


Aqueduct 


Enamour 


Aquiline 


Exaggerate 


Ascetic 


Falcated 


Asphalt ic 


Falconet 


Asthma 


Flageolet 


Asthmatic 


Flambeau 


Avenue 


Flannel 


Average 


Fragile 


Bachelor 


Gallery 


Bade 


Gnat 


Balance 


Grandeur 


Balcony 


Graphic 


Banquet 


Gymnastic 


Basaltic 


Halcyon 



Halliard 

Harangue 

Have 

Harass 

Javelin 

Knack 

Knapsack 

Lacerate 

Lamb 

Language 

Languor 

Machinate 

Malleable 

Massacre 

Mastiff 

Mechanic 

Molasses 

Morass 

Naphtha 

Opacity 

Pageant 

Pamphlet 

Paragraph 

Parallel 

Paroxysm 

Pertinacity 

Phantasm 

Phantom 

Placid 

Plaid 

Pneumatics 

Portmanteau 

Quaff 

Raillery 



Raspberry 

Rhapsody 

Rheumatic 

Salmon 

Salve 

Sanguine 

Sapphire 

Scalp 

Schismatic 

Scratch 

Spasm 

Stomachic 

Suavity 

Tacit 

Thatch 

Thrash 

Thwack 

Tobacco 

Vacuum 

Wrap 

(4.) 
Alder 
Almanac 
Alter 
Alterative 
Appal 
Applause 
Assault 
Athwart 
Audience 
Auspice 
Autumn 
Awe 



3 The short Italian sound of a, as in fat and marry. — See Note 1 . 

4 The broad German sound of a, as in fall and water.— See 
Note I, 



134 


A COLLEC^IOS 


i OF TitE MOS$ 


Awkward 


Halt 


Scrawl 


Bequeath 


Awl 


Halter 


Shawl 


Bier 


Bald 


Hauberk 


Slaughter 


Blaspheme 


Balk 


Haughty 


Swarm 


Bohea 


Balsam 


Hawk 


Swarthy 


Bombardier 


Bashaw 


Haughtiness 


Tarpaulin 


Bombasin 


Basalt 


Hydraulics 


Taught 


Breathe 


Bauble 


Instalment 


Thaw 


Breeze 


Bedaub 


Inthral 


. Thought 


Brigadier 


Bought 


Lawn 


Thraldom 


Canteen 


Brought 


Marauder 


Thwart 


Cap-a-pie 


Caldron 


Maugre 


Vault 


Caprice 


Calk 


Mawkish 


Vaunt 


Capuchin 


Caught 


Memoir 


Walnut 


Career 


Cauterize 


Naught 


Warble 


Cashier 


Chalk 


Naughty 


Warm 


Cassino 


Crawl 


Nauseate 


Water 


Cavalier 


Daub 


Nauseous 


Wrought 


Cavatina 


Daughter 


Nautical 


Yawn 


Cazique 


Dauphin 


Orchestre 




Ceiling 


Defaulter 


Ordeal 


(5.) 


Chagrin 


Devoir 


Orgies 


Abstemious 


Chameleon 


Endorsement Orphan 


Acetous 


Chandelier 


Enormous 


Pacha 


Achieve 


Cheese 


Enthral 


Palsy 


Achievement Chevalier 


Exhaust 


Paltry 


Allegiance 


Chief 


Falchion 


Palter 


Allegro 


Chimera 


False 


Paucity 


Ambergris 


Cochineal 


Falcon 


Pawn 


Antique 


Compeer 


Fault 


Porphyry 


Appreciate 


Conceit 


Falter 


Psalter 


Arena 


Conceive 


Fraught 


Saucer 


Assignee 


Congeal 


Gaudy 


Sauciness 


Austere 


Contumelious 


Gnaw 


Saucy 


Beacon 


Corypheus 


Groat 


Scald 


Believe 


Crease 



The long sound of e, as in me and here. — See Note 1. 



DIFFICULT WOltDS IN THE LANGUAGE. 



1S5 



Critique 


Grieve 


Oblique 


Cuirass 


Guillotine 


Obsequious 


Deceit 


Guarantee 


Palanquin 


Deceive 


Hyena 


Pelisse 


Deity 


Hymeneal 


Perceive 


Denier 


Imbecile 


People 


Depreciate 


Intrigue 


Piece 


Deteriorate 


Invalid 


Pierce 


Deviate 


Inveigle 


Pier 


Devious 


Irretrievable Piquant 


Eager 


Key 


Pique 


Eagle 


Knead 


Please 


Eel 


League 


Plebeian 


Egregious 


Leap 


Police 


Either 


Leisure 


Preach 


Emir 


Lever 


Precedence 


Empyrean 


Lief 


Primeval 


Equal 


Liege 


Profile 


Era 


Machine 


Quarantine 


Ethereal 


Machinery 


Quay 


Facetious 


Machinist 


Queer 


Fascine 


Magazine 


Keason 


Fatigue 


Marine 


Receipt 


Feasible 


Marquee 


Receive 


Fever 


Mausoleum 


Recitative 


Fief 


Measles 


Relief 


Fiend 


Mediocre 


Relieve 


Field 


Meteor 


Relievo 


Fierce 


Meter 


Remediable 


Financier 


Metre 


Reprieve 


Frequent 


Mien 


Retrieve 


Fusil 


Moreen 


Routine 


Glacis 


Nankin 


Saltpetre 


Grief 


Neither 


Scene 


Grenadier 


Niece 


Scheme 



Screech 

Seignior 

Seize 

Shield 

Shriek 

Siege 

Species 

Specious 

Spermaceti 

Sphere 

Squeeze 

Subpoena 

Suite 

Thief 

Thieve 

Tierce 

Tontine 

Tureen 

Unwieldy 

Valise 

Vehicle 

Wield 

Wreath 

Wreathe 

Yield 

Zebra 

(6.), 

Acceptable 

Acetic 

Acquiesce 

Address 

Again 

Against 

Ascetic 



6 The short e, as in met and ?n€r.—See Note 1. 



136 



A COLLECTION OF TlIE MOST 



Bagatelle 

Beverage 

Bevy 

Breadth 

Breakfast 

Brunette 

Burial 

Burlesque 

Bury 

Cadet 

Catechetical 

Celery 

Cenotaph 

Centre 

Cheerful 

Chestnut 

Chimerical 

Cleanse 

Coalesce 

Coerce 

Condemn 

Contemn 

Coquette 

Corvette 

Crescent 

Crevice 

Cuerpo 

Deaf 

Dearth 

Decalogue 

Debtor 

Decimate 

Demagogue 

Dervis 

Desuetude 

Develop 

Diseresis 



Dilemma 

Discern 

Dishevel 

Duenna 

Earnest 

Eccentric 

Echo 

Eclogue 

Eclectic 

Ecstasy 

Edge 

Edible 

Edifice 

Effervesce 

Egotism 

Eligible 

Emphasis 

Empty 

Endeavour 

Ensign 

Envelop 

Epilogue 

Episode 

Epitaph 

Epoch 

Etch 

Etiquette 

Exchequer 

Excrescence 

Feather 

Felon 

Finesse 

Friend 

Gazette 

Gherkin 

Grisette 

Grotesque 



Guess 

Guest 

Head 

Heather 

Heifer 

Hemisphere 

Heroine 

Jeopardy 

Leant 

Learn 

Leaven 

Ledger 

Leopard 

Lettuce 

Lieutenant 

Meadow 

Mechanism 

Medley 

Membrane 

Menace 

Messieurs 

Metaphor 

Mignonette 

Necessary 

Necessarily 

Nephew 

Nonpareil 

Pedagogue 

Pentateuch 

Peremptorily 

Pheasant 

Phlegm 

Phrensy 

Picturesque 

Piquet 

Plenteous 

Plethora 



Precipice 

Quench 

Querulous 

Realm 

Recipe 

Rehearse 

Rescue 

Reservoir 

Retinue 

Revenue 

Rhetoric 

Said 

Saith 

Says 

Sceptre 

Schedule 

Se'nnight 

Sepulchre 

Separate 

Sheriff 

Special 

Spectre 

Specimen 

Steady 

Stiletto 

Suggest 

Sweat 

Tenant 

Tenet 

Terrace 

Tetrarch 

Thames 

Tread 

Twelfth 

Venison 

Verdigris 

Vermicelli 



DIFFICULT WOUDS IN THE LANGUAGE. 137 



Vertebre 


Decipher 


Veterinary 


Decisive 


Violoncello 


Diagram - 


Wainscot 


Dialogue 


Weapon 


Diaper 


Were 


Diaphragm 


Wreck 


Diary 


Wrench 


Disguise 


Wretch 


Environ 


Yes 


Fibre 


Zealous 


Fibrous 


Zealot 


Fie 


Zenith 


Flight 


Zephyr 


Guide 




Guile 


(70 


Guise 


Aisle 


Gyves 


Ally; 


Height 


Archives 


Hie 


Assign 


Horizon 


Asylum 


Hyphen 


Benign 


Icicle 


Blight 


Ignite 


Bright 


Indict 


Buy 


Indictment 


B 7> 


Indite 


China 


Island 


Choir 


Isle 


Cipher 


Knight 


Climax 


Leviathan 


Condign 


Light 


Child 


Lilac 


Chyle 


Lyre 


Die 


Malign 



Might 

Night 

Nigh 

Nitre 

Oblige 

Phial 

Pie 

Plight 

Primary 

Proviso 

Pyre 

Rhyme 

Eight 

Righteous 

Rye 

Saliva 

Satiety 

Scythe 

Sigh 

Sign 

Sitfht 

Sleight 

Slight 

Spright 

Sprightly 

Thyme 

Thigh 

Tie g 

Tight 

Title 

Trifle 

Tripod 

Tyrant 

Type 



Vie' 

Viscount 

Wight 

Wind 

Writhe 

Wry 

(8.) 
Abscind 
Academician 
Agile 

Amphibious 
Antipodes 
Avarice 
Banditti 
Barilla 
Biscuit 
Brindle 
Build 
Built 
Business 
Busy 

Capitulate 
Cedilla 
Centrifugal 
Centripetal 
Chalybeate 
Chemist 
Chisel 
Chrysalis 
Chrysolite 
Cinque 
Circuit 
Clinical 



7 The long diphthongal sound of i, as in pine and title. — See 
Note l. 

8 The short simple ?", as in pin and tittle.— See Note 1. 



138 



A COLLECTION OF THE MOST 



Commiserate Hypocrite 


Piteous 


Beau 


Conciliatory Hyssop 


Pusillanimity Boatswain 


Contiguous 


Illicit 


Quadrille 


Bourn 


Criticism 


Implicit 


Quilt 


Bowl 


Crystal 


Initial 


Reminiscence Bowsprit 


Cuisse 


Initiate 


Rescind 


Broach 


Cynic 


Invidious 


Risible 


Brogue 


Decision 


Isthmus 


Schism 


Bureau 


Delineate 


Jonquille 


Scissors 


Cajole 


Delirium 


Kiln 


Sickle 


Chorus 


Digit 


Liquefy 


Sieve 


Clothes 


Dilatoriness 


Lineament 


Solicit 


Cocoa 


Dingy 


Linguist 


Soliloquy 


Cony 


Diphthong 


Limn 


Supercilious 


Corridor 


Dishabille 


Live -long 


Switch 


Corporeal 


Dissonant 


Lizard 


Sycamore 


Corps 


Dissyllable 


Lyric 


Sycophant 


Coulter 


Distich 


Metaphysics 


Synagogue 


Course 


Dynasty 


Mezzotinto 


Syringe 


Court 


Dysentery 


Miniature 


Ubiquity 


Crosier 


Eclipse 


Miscellany 


Victuals 


Decorous 


Electricity 


Mischief 


Victualler 


Diploma 


Elicit 


Mischievous 


Vicissitude 


Disembogue 


Explicit 


Mistletoe 


Vitriol 


Doe 


Exhilarate 


Myrrh 


Vineyard 


Door 


Fastidious 


Myrtle 


Widgeon 


Dough 


Gimp 


Mystic 


Witticism 


Droll 


Gist 


Niche 


Women 


Encore 


Give 


Nymph 


Wring 


Envelope 


Glimpse 


Opinionative 


! Wrist 


Erroneous 


Guilt 


Panegyrist 




Floor 


Guinea 


Paralytic 


(9.) 


Foe 


Hiccough 


Pavilion 


Anchovy 


Folk 


Hideous 


Phthisic 


Apropos 


Four 


Hymn 


Pigeon 


Aroma 


Fourth 



9 The long open o, as in no and notice.See Note 1. 



Difficult wouds in the language. 



139 



Ghost 


Scholium 


Buffoon 


Poltroon 


Gourd 


Scroll 


Behove 


Prove 


Hautboy 


Sew 


Bruise 


Ragout 


Hoax 


Sewer 


Canoe 


Recruit 


Hoe 


Shewbread 


Cartoon 


Removal 


Hosier 


Shoulder 


Cartouch 


Remove 


Hydrophobia Sojourn 


Chew 


Rheum 


Knoll 


Soldier 


Cocoon 


Rheumatism 


Loath 


Sombre 


Contour 


Rhubarb 


Loathe 


Sonorous 


Crew 


Route 


Macaroni 


Soul 


Croup 


Rouge 


Morone 


Source 


Croupier 


Rue 


Mould 


Sword 


Crude 


Rude 


Moult 


Though 


Cruise 


Rule 


Mourn 


Throe 


Do 


Ruse 


Negotiate 


Toe 


Doubloon 


Screw 


Ocean 


Toward 


Entomb 


Shoe 


Ochre 


Towards 


Festoon 


Shrewd 


Orthoepy 


Trophy 


Fruit 


Sluice 


Osier 


Troll 


Galloon 


Souvenir 


Own 


Worn 


Gamboge 


Soot 


Parochial 


Vogue 


Gouge 


Surtout 


Parole 


Yolk 


Groove 


Through 


Patrol 


Yeoman 


Group 


Tour ' 


Pony 


(10.) 


Hautgout 


True 


Porcelain 


Accoucheur 


Imbrue 


Two 


Poulterer 


Accoutre 


Improve 


Uncouth 


Poultice 


Accrue 


Intrude 


Undo 


Pour 


Ado 


Lose 


Who 


Prorogue 


Approval 


Manoeuvre 


Woman 


Kevolt 


Approve 


Obtrude 


Woo 


Roe 


Balloon 


Peruke 


Wound 


Rogue 


Bassoon 


Perusal 


Your 


Roguery 


Blue 


Pleurisy 


Youth 



] o The long close o, as in move and tomb.-See Note 1. 



140 



A COLLECTION OP THE MOST 



(11) 

Anomaly 

Apocryphal 

Apostrophe 

Autograph 

Caloric 

Cauliflower 

Cognizance 

Chaotic 

Chocolate 

Chord 

Chorister 

Cockswain 

Colleague 

Colloquy 

Column 

Conch 

Concoct 

Conquer 

Conscience 

Construe 

Corollary 

Corsair 

Cough 

Crotchet 

Daughter 

Decalogue 

Docible 

Docile 

Doggerel 

Dolnhin 



Dwarf 


Mnemonics 


Slabber 


Etymology 


Mortgage 


Solemn 


Exhort 


Mosque 


Sophism 


Exotic 


Motley 


Squab 


Foreign 


Obloquy 


Squabble 


Foreigner 


Obsequies 


Squad 


Forfeit 


Oligarchy 


Squadron 


Forfeiture 


Orchestre 


Squalid 


Frontier 


Ostrich 


Squat 


Geography 


Philanthropic 


e Swab 


Geometry 


Phonic 


Swaddle 


George 


Phraseology 


Swallow 


Gone 


Physiognomy Swamp 


Haughty 


Poniard 


Swan 


Holm 


Posthumous 


Swap 


Homicide 


Process 


Symptom 


Homologous 


Proceeds 


Synonymous 


Hostler 


Prognostic 


Synopsis 


Hough 


Prologue 


Tortoise 


Hypocrisy 


Proselyte 


Trod 


Hypothesis 


Provost 


Through 


Imposthume 


Quadrant 


Wad 


Isosceles 


Quality 


Waddle 


Knot 


Quantity 


Wallet 


Knowledge 


Quarrel 


Wan 


Laudanum 


Quart 


Wand 


Laurel 


Quash 


Wander 


Logarithm 


Sausage 


W T ant 


Lough 


Scallop 


War 


Lozenge 


Scotch 


Warren 


Mahogany 


Shough 


Wart 



u The short broad o, as in not and cottage. This sound of o is 
lengthened before r when terminating monosyllables, or when 
followed by another consonant; as in for and former. The short 
sound of o, it may be observed, is equivalent to the broad German 
sound of a, and also to the diphthong cm. Compare, for exam- 
ple, the pronunciation of the words Poll, Pall, and Paul, 



DIFFICULT WORDS IN THE LANGUAGE. 



141 



Was 


Ewer 


Borough 


Dudgeon 


Wash 


Exude 


Buffalo 


Dungeon 


Wasp 


Feodal 


Burgher 


Enough 


Wast ( 


Feud 


Burglary 


Escutcheon 


Wassail 


Feudal 


Bustle 


Flourish 


Watch 


Glutinous 


Chough 


Flood 


Wattle 


Herculean 


Clough 


Fulsome 


What 


Impugn 


Colonel 


Furlough 


Yacht 


Jewel 


Combat 


Gournet 


Yawl 


Jewess 


Come 


Gudgeon 




Juice 


Comely 


Gunwale 


(12.) 


Lieu 


Conduit 


Honey 


Acumen 


Mucous 


Courage 


Housewife 


Adieu 


Neuter 


Couple 


Hurricane 


Beauty 


Nuisance 


Courteous 


Journey 


Beauteous 


Pewter 


Courtesy 


Love 


Bedew 


Pseudo 


Cousin 


Luncheon 


Bitumen 


Puce 


Cover 


Lustre 


Bugle 


Puisne 


Covetous 


Monday 


Cerulean 


Puny 


Covey 


Mongrel 


Contiguity 


Sue 


Cozen 


Monk 


Contumely 


Suit 


Crumb 


Monkey 


Culinary 


Suitor 


Cupboard 


Month 


Cue 


Sulphureous Currier 


None 


Cupola 


Sure 


Curvet 


Nothing 


Demure 


Surety 


Defunct 


Numb 


Dew 


Tutelary 


Demur 


Onion 


Due 


View 


Dirty 


Other 


Duresse 




Discomfit 


Oven 


Duteous 


(13.) 


Double 


Plumb 


Endue 


Affront 


Dove 


Pommel 


Eschew 


Attorney 


Dozen 


Pulse 


Eucharist 


Blood 


Dromedary 


Puncheon 


Euphony 


. Bludgeon 


Ducat 


Purlieu 



is The long diphthongal sound of n } as in tube and Cupid, — See 
Note 1. 
»3 The short simple u, as in tub and cup. — See Note 1. 



142 MOST DIFFICULT WORDS IN THE LANGUAGE. 



Pursuivant 

Rough 

Scourge 

Scullion 

Scutcheon 

Shovel 

Slough 

Some 

Son 

Southward 

Southerly 

Southwark 

Sovereign 

Sponge 

Stomach 

Sturgeon 

Subaltern 

Subtile 

Subtle 

Surfeit 

Surgeon 

Thirsty 

Thorough 

Ton 

Tongue 

Touch 

Tough 

Trouble 

Wont 



Worse 

Word 

Work 

Worth 

Young 

(14.) 

Ambush 

Bosom 

Bouquet 

Bull' 

Bullet 

Bullion 

Bully _ 

Bulletin 

Bullock 

Bulrush 

Bulwark 

Bush 

Bushel 

Butcher 

Could 

Cuckoo 

Cushion 

Full 

Fuller 

Pudding 

Pull 

Pullet 



Pulley 


Flower 


Pulpit 


Gout 


Push 


Grouse 


Puss 


Howl 


Put 


Lounge 


Should 


Owl 


Sugar 


Plough 


Wolf 


Pouch 


Would 


Powder 




Power 


(15.) 


Proud 


Allow 


Prowl 


Avouch 


Redound 


Avow 


Renown 


Bough 


Rout 


Brow 


Scour 


Browse 


Scout 


Carouse 


Scowl 


Couch 


Scoundrel 


Cowl 


Shower 


Crouch 


Slough 


Dowry 


Thou 


Doubt 


Towel 


Doughty 


Tower 


Drought 


Trousers 


Drowsy 


Trowel 


Endow 


Vouch 


Espouse 


Vow 


Fowl 


Vowel 






14 The middle or obtuse sound of u, as in bull and pulpit ; an 
intermediate sound between dull and pool, or wool and woo. — 
See Note 1. 

is As the diphthong ou in count. This is the general sound of 
ou, but it has no less than six others ; as in roitgh, through, though, 
cowgh, thowght, and cowld. 

The diphthong ow (another form of ou) is sounded either as ou 
in county or as ou in though. The former is its general sound. 



143 
ETYMOLOGY. 



Tlie difficulties which young persons have to con- 
tend with in learning the meaning of words have 
been noticed in a preceding part of this book. 1 We 
shall now merely add, that the easiest and most 
effectual method of acquiring a knowledge of what 
may be called the difficult words of our language, 
is, to learn the comparatively few roots from which 
they are derived, and the prefixes and affixes 
which vary and modify their meaning. In this 
way the pupils learn with greater ease, and recollect 
with greater certainty whole families of words, in 
less time perhaps than it would take them to learn 
the meaning of an equal number of single and un- 
connected terms ; which, as they are not connected 
by any principle of association, soon escape from 
the memory, even after the labour of much repetition. 
In short, under the old way, as it is called, the pupil 
fished with a hook, and drew in, at most, but one 
word at a time ; but under the system here recom- 
mended, he uses a net, and at one cast draws in a 
whole multitude of words. 



DERIVATION. 

Derivation is that part of Etymology which treats 
of the origin and primary signification of words. 

Words are either Primitive or Derivative. A primi- 
tive word cannot be reduced or traced to any simple 

1 See page 54 also, page 16. 



144 PREFIXES AND AFFIXES. 

word in the language ; as man, good. Primitive words, 
from which derivatives are formed, are called roots. 

A derivative word can be reduced or traced to 
another in the language of greater simplicity ; as manly, 
manliness ; goodly, goodness. 

Derivative words are formed from their primitives 
in three ways — i . By the addition of letters or syllables. 
2. By the omission of letters or contraction. 3. By 
the interchange of equivalent or kindred letters. 

All words having prefixes or affixes, or both, are 
examples of the first process. All words which undergo 
what grammarians call aphaeresis, syncope, or apocope,^ 
are examples of the second process of derivation. For 
examples of the third process, see the words under the 
head of u English Etymologies " (page 209). 

The meaning of a word is either primary or secondary. 
The primary meaning of a word is that in which it was 
first or originally applied. 

A word can have but one primary, but it may have 
several secondary meanings. Though in several in- 
stances the primary meaning of a word has been lost, 
or is no longer in use, yet in general it will be found to 
pervade all its secondary or figurative applications. 

Many words considered as primitives or roots in 
English, are derivatives from the Latin, Greek, and 
other languages. To the Latin language, in particular, 
the English is indebted for a large portion of its vocabu- 
lary. In proof of this the reader is referred to the au- 
thor's Dictionary of Derivation. 

A prefix is a significant particle, generally an insepa- 
rable preposition, prefixed to a word to vary or modify 
its signification ; as un in unjust, mis in mistake. 

An affix or termination is a significant particle or 
syllable added to a word to vary or modify its mean- 
ing ; as ful in harmful, less in harmless. 

1 Aphaeresis takes from the beginning of a word, syncope from 
the middle, and apocope from the end. 



PREFIXES AND AFFIXES. 145 



LATIN PREFIXES. 

A, AB, i abs, from or away; as avert, to turn from; absolve, 

to free from ; abstain, to hold or keep from. 
Ad, to; as advert, to turn to; adverb, (a part of speech added) 
to a verb. 

Note. — For the sake of euphony, the final letter of a preposi- 
tion in composition usually assumes the form of the initial 
letter of the word to which it is prefixed. Thus ad becomes 
ac, as in accede ; af, as in tf/fix ; AG, as in aggression ; ad, 
as in aZlude ; an, as in announce ; ap, as in apply ; AR, as 
in arrogate ; as, as in assent ; and at, as in attract. 

Amb or Ambi, about or around; as ambient, going round or 

about. See the Greek Prefix Amphi. 
Ante, 2 before; as antecedent, going before. See the Greek 

Prefix Anti. 
Bis, bi, two ; as fo'sect, to cut or divide into two ; 02'ped, a two- 

footed animal. 
CrceuM, emeu, about or around; as circumjacent, lying 

around ; circulate^o carry round. 
Cis, on this side ; as cisalpine, on this side the Alps. 
Con, with or together ; as cowdole, to grieve zvith ; concourse, 

a running together. 

JS T ote.-^-~F or the sake of euphony, con becomes co, as in 
coheir; cog, as in co^mate ; col, as in collect; com, as it; 
compress ; and con, as in correspond. See note under Ad. 

Contra, against; as contradict, to speak against, or to the 

contrary. Contra sometimes takes the form of Counter, 

as in counteract, to act or work against. 
De, down, from, of, or concerning ; as descend, to come down ; 

deduct, to take from ; depart, to part from ; describe, to 

write of or concerning. 
Dis, di, asunder, apart, or separated from, (and hence its 

negative force) not ; as adjoin, dismember, a^'splease. 
E, 3 ex, out of, beyond; as emit, to send out ; eject, to cast out 

of; extend, to stretch out; exclude, to shut out of ; exceed, 

to go beyond. 

i Ab is the original form — from the Greek Prefix Apo (Ap'). 
2 Ante. — In Anticipate the e has been corrupted into i. 
? E. — The original form is Ex— from the Greek Prefix Ek or Ex. 

G 



146 PREFIXES AtfD AFFIXES. 

Note. — In composition, ex is changed into ec, as in eccen- 
tric; ef, as in e/face; and el, as in ellipse. See note 
under Ad. 

Extra, 1 out, beyond; as extra ordinary, beyond ordinary. 

In, when prefixed to verbs, signifies in or into, on or upon, 
against ; as mject, to cast in or into ; mcident, falling on or 
upon ; mcite, to stir up against. But when In is prefixed 
to nouns, adjectives, or adverbs, it means not or con- 
trary to ; as mjustice, mfirm, ^gloriously. Compare the 
English Prefix Un. 

Note. — For the sake of euphony, in in composition usually 
assumes the form of the initial letter of the word to which 
it is prefixed ; as in &raoble, -ignorance, illegal, Ruminate, 
twimortal, imprison, irregulars/radiate. Compare the changes 
of the Prefixes Ad and Con. 

Inter, between ; as interyene, to come between* 
Intro, to within ; as Produce, to lead to within. 
Juxta, nigh to; as juxtaposition, position nigh to. 
Ob, in the way of, against ; as oovious, obstacle, o&ject (to cast 
or urge against). 

Note. — In composition, ou is changed into oc, as in occur ; 
of, as in offer ; and op, as in oppress. See note under Ad. 

Per, through, thoroughly, or completely ; as pervade, to go 

through ; perfect, thoroughly made, or complete. 
Post, after; as postscript, written after. 
Pr^e, before ; as p?'ecede, to go before ; predict, to foretell. 

Prce is another form of Pro. 
Preter, beyond or past ; as preternatural and preterite. 
Pro, forth or forward ; also,yb?', or instead of ; as p?-otrude, 

to thrust forward; pronoun, for or instead of a, noun. See 

the Greek Prefix Pro. 
Re, back or again ; as ?*evert, to turn bach ; reform to form 

again, to remodel, to improve. 
Retro, backward ; as retrospect, a looking backward or on the 

past. 
Se, aside or apart ; as secede, to go apart or withdraw from. 
Sine, without; as swecure (without care or duty). 

i Extra is derived from ex, and the termination (tera) tra, as 
Intra from In. Compare, also, the formation of Infra and Supra. 



PREFIXES AND AFFIXES, 147 

Sub, under ; as subscribe, to write under ; sw&terranean, under 
ground ; sublunary, under the moon. 

Note. — In composition, sub becomes sue, as in succeed; 
Suf, as in suffer ; sug, as in suggest ; sup, as in suppress ; 
and sus, as in suspend. See note under Ad, Con, and Ob. 

Subter, under; as subterfuge (a flying under or beneath). 
Super, 1 above or over ; as sz^^mumerary, above the number. 
Trans, beyond; as transport, to carry beyond. 
Ultra, beyond ; as w^minarine and e^mmontane. 



GREEK PREFIXES. 

A, 5 not or without; as apathy, without (pathos) feeling; abyss, 
without a bottom. 3 

Amphi, about, on both sides ; as amphitue&txe, a theatre with 
seats about or circular ; amphibious, living in both, that is 
either in land or water. 

Ana, again or bach ; as anabaptism, that is, baptism again or 
a second time ; analyze, to resolve or loose (into the com- 
ponent parts) again ; anachronism, (dated back or earlier 
than the occurrence,) an error in chronology. 

Anti, opposite to, in opposition to, against; as Antarctic, opposite 
to the Arctic (circle) ; antagonist, one who contends against 
another ; anfo'dote, something given against, or to counteract. 

Apo, from or away; as apostle, (sent from) a missionary; 
apostate, one who stands from or abandons his profession 
or party ; apology, a word or discourse from, an excuse or 
justification. Before an aspirated vowel, apo becomes 
aph; as in aphelion and apha.eresis. 

Auto, self; as anagraph, se^-written (as " an autograph 
letter from the Queen"); autobiography, a biography or 
history of one's self 

Cata, down ; as cataract, a water fall. 



i Super. — Hence sur (through the French) ; as in snrbase, above 
the base ; snrtout, over all ; surmount, snrpass, <fcc. 

2 A. — Before a vowel, a becomes an; as anarchy, without 
government ; anonymous, witJwut a name. 

s " The dark, unbottomed, infinite abyss." — Milton. 

G 2 



148 PREFIXES AND AFFIXES. 

Dia, through ; as ammeter, a line passing through the middle ; 
diagonal, a line passing through a parallelogram from one 
angle to the opposite ; omlogue, a discourse (passing from 
one side to the other) between two. 

Ek, ex, from or out of; as eclectic, selected from ; ecstasy 
(standing out of), transport or rapture. 

En (em), in or on ; as endemic, in or among the people ; em- 
phasis, force or stress laid on a word or words in pronuncia- 
tion. 

Epi, upon, on, over, to • as epidemic, upon the people, or very- 
prevalent ; epilogue, a word or speech upon, or immediately 
after, the play ; epistle, a writing sent to, a letter. 

Hyper, above ; as /hypercritical, over critical. 

Hypo, under ; as hypocrite, one who keeps under or conceals 
his real sentiments ; hyphen, a mark used to bring two words 
or syllables under or into one. 

Meta, beyond; as metaphor, a carrying of, or applying, a word 
beyond its proper meaning. 

Para, beside, from ; as paragraph, a writing beside ; parallel, 
beside one another; parasol, keeping the sun /rom ; para- 
dox, from or contrary to the general opinion ; a seeming 
contradiction, but true in fact. 

Peri, round about; as periphery. Compare the derivation of 

CIRCUMFERENCE . 

Syn, with or together zoith ; as in synthesis, a placing together ; 
synod, a going together, a convention. 

Note. — In composition, syn becomes sy, as in system ; 
SYL, as in stable ; and sym, as in sympathy (compassion). 



ENGLISH OR SAXON PREFIXES. 

A, at, to, or on ; as afield, 1 that is, at or to the field ; afoot, on 

foot ; aboard, on board ; ashore, on shore. 
Be has usually an intensive signification, as Sewail, Sespread, 

oehold, oesprinkle. In 6ecau.se, &sfore, Reside, and a few 

other words, it is another form of by. 



lu How jocund did they drive their team afield" 



PREFIXES AND AFFIXES.' 149 

En, em, 1 in or into ; as enrol, embalm ; also, to make, a3 in 

enable, enlarge, embark, empower. 
For, negative or privative ; as forbid, to bid not or prohibit 

forget, not to #e£ or bave in recollection. 
Fore, before ; as /bresee, forewarn, foremost, forward. 
Ltf for ix, to make ; as mbitter, impair (to make worse), 

impoverish, improve (to make proof of), to make better. 
Mis, not, vjrong or error ; as mistake, misconduct. 
Out, beyond, superiority ; as oz^live, outrun. 
Over, above, beyond; as overcharge, overreach. 
Un, not, like the Latin in; as zmspeakable, ineffable; wwwilliag, 

^voluntary. Prefixed to verbs it signifies to undo ; as in 

unlock, untie, wwbind. 
Up, motion zipwards ; as iipon, upstart ; also, subversion ; as 

in upset (to overthrow). • 

With, from, against ; as withdraw, loithbold, withstand, 



AFFIXES OR TERMINATIONS. 

[it is impossible in every case to ascertain the exact force, or 
even the general import, of an affix or termination. Several 
of them seem to have different, and even contradictory meanings, 
and in some cases they appear to be merely paragogic, that is, 
they lengthen the word, without adding to the meaning. Teach- 
ers should recollect this, and not require their pupils to assign a 
meaning to every affix which occurs.] 

Able, ible, ble, or ile, implies having ability or power to do 
what the word to which it is attached signifies ; as -portable, 
fit or able to be carried ; defensive, that- which can or is able 
to be defended ; doczYe, 2 able or fit to be taught ; ductile, 
that which may be, or is fit to be led, or drawn out. 

Aceous, having the qualities of, consisting of, resembling ; as 
herbaceous, testaceoz^s, crustaefoe^s. 



1 En. — In some words en is used both as a prefix and an affix ; 
ate in e/ilighte?i, enliven, and embolde?i. 

2 Docile. — In such cases ile is a contraction of ible, and must 
be distinguished from the adjective termination ill, which 
denotes similitude ; as puenVe, like a boy ; infants, like an infant. 



150 PREFIXES AND AFFIXES. 

Acy, implies doing, or the thing done ; also, state or condition ; 
as conspiracy, legacy, celibacy, prelacy. 

Age, ion, denote the act of doing ; the thing done ; state or 
condition ; as carriaye, passaye, marriaye, bondaye ; aberra- 
tion, immersion, derivator, cohesion, subordination. 

Al, an, ory, ic, id, ine, ile, denote belonging or pertaining 
to; as natural, duca?; European, collegian, Christian; 
prefatory, introductory ; public, theoretic ; timid, lucid ; 
alkaline, feminine ; infantile, mercantile. See Ary. 

Ana, denotes sayings or anecdotes of ; as Walpoliana, John- 

soniana, that is, sayings or anecdotes of Walpole — of JoJm- 

son. 
Ard, state or character ; as dota?-d, one in a state of dotage ; 

slugga?-d, one who slugs or indulges in sloth ; wizard, a wise 

man or sage. 
Ary, implies pertaining to, or one who is what the word to 

Vv-hich it is attached signifies ; as military, adversary, mis- 

siona?*y. 
Ary, ery, or ory, implies also a set or collection of ; as library, 

aviary ; nurse?-y, rooke?*y, knavery, cookery ; repository, 

dormitory. 
Ate, in some cases, signifies to make ; as renovate, invigorate, 

abbreviate. 1 
Dom, implies dominion or possession, state or condition ; as 

kingdom, Christendom, martyrdom, freedom, wisdom. 
Er 2 or or, denotes the agent or person acting ; as doer, writ.'?*, 

actor, professor. 
Ee, usually denotes the person in a passive state, or as the 

object of the action ; as (lesso?*, the person who lets or gives 

a lease) lessee, the person to whom a lease is made ; patentee, 

trustee, committee (a number of persons to whom some in- 
quiry or charge is committed). 
En, denotes made of ; also, to make ; as wooden, golden, 

blacken, brighten. Compare Fy and Ize. 

i Ate is, in many cases, an integral part of the word, and not 
an affix. 

2 Br. — In a few words this termination has become eer, ster, or 
«r; as auctioneer, engineer; gamester, spinsfer; liar beggar. 



PREFIXES AND AFFIXES. 151 

Ess, the feminine termination of a noun ; as princess, lioness, 

duchess, actress. 
Ful, denotes full of, or abounding in ; as honeful, artful, 

joyful, successful. 
Fy, denotes to make ; as magnify, rjurify, beauti/y, notify 

See Ex and Ize. 
Hood or head, implies state or degree ; as manhood, maiden- 

hood or head, priesthood. 
Ish, implies belonging to ; like or resembling ; having a ten- 
dency to ; as British, Irish, boyish, greenish, thievish. 
Ism, denotes sect, party, peculiarity, or idiom ; as Calvinism 

Jacobinism, Gr&cism, vulgarism. 
1st, denotes skilled in or professing ; as botanist, florist, artist 

naturalist, linguist 
Ite, a descendant or follower of ; as Israelite, Jacobite. 
Ive, has usually an active signification ; as motive, defensive 

offensive, persuasive, adhesive. 
Ize, denotes to make ; as fertilize, generalize, civilize. Com- 
pare En and Fy. 
Kix, a diminutive affix meaning akin to, or like ; as lambkin, 

manikin, pip&i/z. See Lixg. 
Less, denotes privation, or to be without ; as joyless, careless 

harmless. 
Lixg, cle, el, et, ock, express diminution, endearment, 

contempt ; as gosling (little goose), foundling (a Utile child 

or \niantfound or abandoned), o\arling (little dear), underling, 

worldling ; particle, satchel, pocket, hillock. 
Like or ly, denotes likeness or similitude ;. as godii&e or godly, 

gentleman?i£e or gentleman^/. 
Mext, implies the act or doing of ; state of ; as acknowledg- 

ment, contentment 
Ness, 1 denotes the prominent or distinguishing qualities; state 

or quality of being ; as goodness, greatness, "whiteness, 

happiness. 
Ose, denotes full of ; as verbose, full of words. 

1 Xess properly means a promontory ; as Langness, the Naze, &q 
The root is the Latin nasus, the nose. 



152 LATIN AND GREEK ROOTS. 

Ous, implies having or consisting of ; as danger ous, biliot^, 

ambitious. See Aceous. 
Rick, 1 implies rnle or jurisdiction ; as bishopnc/fc. 
Ship, 2 denotes office, state, or condition ; as chancellors^};, 

lordship, fellowship, friendship. 
Some, denotes some of, or in some degree; as troublesome, 

venturesome, quarrelsome, handsome. 
Tide, denotes time or event ; as noontide, WhitsunfoWe. 
Tude, ity, or ty, implies being or state of being ; as gratifeJe, 

multitape, fortitude; abil%, adversity; novelty, anxiety, 

honesty, liberty. 
AVard, means turned or in the direction of ; as toward 

(turned to), forward (foreword), baekvjard. 
Ure, implies doing or being ; state or condition ; as manuf ac- 

ture, captwe, Scripture, exposure, displeasure. 
Y, implies having or abounding in ; as (stone) stony, (wealth) 

wealthy, (wood) woody. 



LATIN AND GEEEK BOOTS, 3 

TO BE TRACED THROUGH THEIR ENGLISH DERIVATIVES. 

After the preceding Prefixes and Affixes have 
been thoroughly learned by the pupils, they should 
be accustomed to point them out as they occur in 
their reading lessons till they become quite fami- 
liar with their ordinary meanings. They should 
also be required to apply them to any root the 
teacher may choose to assign. The following roots 



i Rick. — The root is the Latin rego, to rule or govern. 

2 Ship properly means the shape or form (as in landscape, fqr 
landscape), and hence, the prominent or distinguishing quality. 

s Latin and Greek words are pronounced like English, that is, 
generally speaking, with the accent on the first syllable. The 
exceptions from this rule will be noted as they occur ; and it 
should be kept in mind that e final in Latin and Greek words 
is pronounced, and not silent, as in English ; as in the words 
male, simiU, strophe, epitome, &c. — See page 118. 



LATIN AND GREEK ROOTS. 153 

will supply botli the teacher and pupils with ample 
materials for such exercises, the great utility of 
which no person can doubt. They might, in fact, 
be called Lessons on Language. 

THE FOLLOWING ROOTS ARE TRACED AS EXAMPLES. 

Cap, 1 capt, cept, cip, to take, hold, or contain. Hence, 
capable, able, or fit to take or hold, equal or adequate to ; 
incapable, not capable ; capability, ability or power of taking, 
adequateness ; cap ableness ; capacious (that can take or hold 
much), large ; captious (disposed to take or start objections 
to, or to find fault), peevish, morose ; copiousness, a disposi- 
tion to be captious; captive, a person taken or captured in war; 
captivity, the state of a captive ; captivate (to take captive), 
to subdue by force of charms ; captor, the person who takes 
or subdues ; captiire, a taking, a prize; accept (to take to, sc, one's 
self), to receive; accepter, the person who accepts; acceptable, 
fit or worthy of being accepted ; accep^ableness, acceptability, 
acceptation ; anticipate, to take beforehand ; anticipation ; 
conceive (through the French) ; conception ; deceive f decep- 
tion, deceptive ; except, to take out of or from ; exception ; 
inceptive, taking in (as a commencement) ; intercept (to take 
between), to stop or obstruct ; participate, to take- a part in, to 
. share with; participle, a part of speech participating, sc. in the 
qualities of both a verb and an adjective ; perception, the act of 



1 Cap, &c. — From capio, to take or hold ; captus, taken. In 
composition, cipio, ceptus. Capio literally means / take, but it is 
much better to English Latin and Greek verbs in a general way, 
(that is, by the infinitive mood,) than to give the exact transla- 
tion, which, with persons ignorant of the learned languages, 
seems to limit their meaning to the first person singular, present 
tense. Besides it is ridiculous to hear children calling out 
4i pendeo, I hang;" "cazdo, I kill," &c, &c. 

2 Deceive is derived, through the French, from decipio, which 
literally means to fake from. To trace out and account for the 
peculiar force, and (apparently) different meanings of preposi- 
tions in composition, constitutes the chief difficulty in the Latin 
language. We must not therefore expect to be able, in every 
case, to detect and explain their proper and peculiar force. 

g3 



154 LATIN AND GREEK BOOTS. 

(taking through) perceiving ; perceptible, that can be perceived ; 
imperceptible, receptacle, reception, receipt ; reczpe (take thou) ; 
susceptible (that may be taken or subdued by), subject to, &c. 

Cede 1 or ceed, to go, to go bach, to yield or give up. Cede, 
to give up ; cession, a giving up ; cessation, a giving up, or 
ceasing ; cease to give up or stop ; accede (adcede), (to go or 
yield to, sc. a proposal), to comply with; access, agoing to, 
approach or admission to ; accessible (that may be gone to\ 
easy of access ; accession accessary, accessory {going to), 
helping or abetting ; antecedent, going before ; concede (to go 
with), to comply with or agree to ; concession, a going with or 
yielding; exceed, to go above or beyond; excess, excessive; 
intercede (to go between), to mediate ; intercession ; precede, to 
go before ; precedent (an example), going before ; •proceed, to 
go forward ; procession; process, something going forward or 
on; procedure; recede, to go back; recess ; secede, to go apart; 
seceder, a person who secedes ; succeed, to go up to or after, 
to follow (to go up to our wishes or object), to prosper ; success, 
successful, unsuccessful; succession, successive (following after); 
decease, going from, or departure, death ; predecessor, the per- 
son who goes from, sc. a place before the successor or person 
who comes after; ancestor (for antecessor), one who goes 
before. 

Duce, 2 duct, to had or bring. Duke, a leader; dukedom, 
the dominion or territory of a duke; ducal', ducat (a coin, so 
called because issued by a reigning duke— as our coin, a 
sovereign) ; ductile, ft or able to be led ; c?wctility ; abaction, 
a leading from or away; adduce, to bring to or forward; con- 
duce, to bring with, to help or promote; cond^cible, conceive; 
conduct, to lead with, to guide ; conductor ; conduit, a pipe for 
conducting, sc. water — -an aqueduct ; deduce, to lead or bring 
from; deduction, dec?«cible ; educe, to bring out; educate, to 
had or bring up, education ; induce, to bring in or on ; induce- 
ment, inaction ; introduce, to bring to within, introduction ; intro- 
ductory; produce, to bring forth or for Avar d ; product, produc- 
tion, productive, able to produce ; reduce, reduction, seduce, 
seduction, superinduce, traduce, &c. 

1 Cede or ceed, and cess. — From CEDO,to go, to go back, to give 
up, or yield; cessus, given up. 

2 Duce, duct. — From duco, to lead ; ductus, led. 



LATIN AND GREEK ROOTS. 155 

Ject, 1 to throw or cast. Hence, abject, cast from or away 
adjective, cast to or added ; conjecture, a casting (our thoughts) 
together; dejected, cast dozen ; eject, to cast out; ejectment, 
ejection, a casting out; ejector, & person who ejects; inject, to 
cast in, injection; interjection, a casting between (other words 
and phrases) ; object', to cast in the way of, or against, to 
oppose; object, something cast in our way, or before our eyes; 
objector, a. person objecting; objectionable, that may or can be 
objected to; unobjectionable, objective; project, to cast or 
shoot forward; projection; projector, a person projecting or 
designing; projectile (He or ible), that which can be cast 
forward, a body put in motion; reject, rejection, to cast back 
or refuse ; subject, subjection, cast under, in the dominion or 
power of, &c. 

Port, 2 tobear or carry. Port, bearing or carriage; porter, 
a car rier ; port able, fit or able to be carried ; portm.antea.VL 
(for carrying a mantle or cloaJ:); ^?or£folio (for carrying 
a folio) \ comport, comportment; deport, deportment (the 
manner of conducting or demeaning one's self) ; export to carry 
out; exportation; import, to earn/ into, to imply or mean, to 
be of importance; importation; important (carrying into), of 
consequence; purport (to bear forward), to import or mean; 
report, a carrying back, sc. of noise (as the report of a gun) 
or news; reporter', support, to carry or bear under, to assist 
or uphold; supporter; transport, to carry beyond, sc. the seas, 
or ourselves ; transportation, &c. 

Press, to force or urge. Press, a frame or case in 
which clothes, &c, are kept in press, or when folded np; 
also, the machine used for printing or impressing the 
paper with the types; and figuratively, the term has 
been applied to printing, and in an especial manner to 
newspaper printing. Hence, the terms, " liberty of the press," 
"licentiousness of the press" ''gentlemen of the press;" 
the press-gang (persons commissioned in war times to press or 
force mariners to serve in the navy). A press-bed folds or 
shuts up in the form of a press; express, is to press out or 
utter our thoughts ; also, to send out or off speedily or 

1 Ject. — From jacio, to cast or throw; jectus, cast, or thrown. 

2 Port. — From porto, to carry, portatls, carried. 



156 LATIN HOOTS. 

specially; whence the term expressly. The other words in 
which this root is found, are numerous and easy ; as pressure, 
compress, depress, impress, oppress, repress, suppress, &c. 



LATIN KOOTS EXPLAINED.' 

[It will seldom be necessary to trace any of the roots with 
such minuteness ; nor should the pupils in any case be required 
to give the derivatives and their meanings as a task. This 
would be to go back to the old and absurd practice of learning 
words and their meanings by rote. All that should be required 
f som them is, that they should have a thorough and familiar 
knowledge of the roots, and of the prefixes and affixes, 
which modify their meaning; and having this, they will be 
prepared for the Exercises on the derivatives, as suggested, 
page 152.] 

Aceo, to be sour or acid : Acer or Acris, sharp, pungent : 
Acerbus, sour, bitter. Acescent, acetic, acetify, acetous, 
acerbity, acid, acidity, acrid, acrimony, acrimonious, acute, 2 
acumen, eager,* &c. 

iEquus, even, equal, just. Equable, equability, equal, 



i To the few hundred Latin roots contained in this list we owe 
a large portion of the vocabulary of our language. The deriva- 
tives given here are only a portion of the English words which 
are derived from them. See the note which follows. 

2 Acute. — Hence acutely, acuteness, &c. In general, only such 
derivatives as are primitives in our language are given 
here. It will be easy for the pupils, under the correction of Iho 
teacher, to give the other words which are formed from them by 
means of prefixes and affixes ; with which they are now 
supposed to be perfectly familiar. — See the observations on this 
subject, page 152. 

* Eager. — The less obvious derivations are explained in the 
Author's Dictionary of Derivations, to which the teacher and the 
more advanced pupils can refer. For example, this word is thus 
explained in it, page 92 : Eager is through the French aigre 
from the Latin acer, sharp, acid, keen; as meagre from macer. 
The root is the Greek aKt] (ak'e), a sharp point. 

" It doth posset and curdle like eager dippings into milk." — 
Shakspeare. 

" It is a nipping and an eager VQi"—*8haZspeare 



LATIN ROOTS. 1-37 

equality, equalize, equation, equator, equatorial, equi- 
angular, equidistant, equilateral, equilibrium, equinox, equi- 
noctial, equitable, equivalent, equivocal, equivocate, equivo- 
cation, equivocator, adequacy, adequate, co-equal, inadequate, 
inadequacy, inequality, iniquity, iniquitous, unequal, un- 
equalled, unequivocal, &c. 

Ager, a field, land. Agrarian, agricultural, agriculture, 
agriculturist, peregrination, pilgrim,* pilgrimage, &c. 

Ago (actus), 1 to do or act. Agent, agency, agile, agility, 
act, active, activity, actor, actress, action, actionable, actual, 
actuary, actuate, cogent, cogency, counteract, enact, enactment, 
exact, exaction, exigence, exigency, exigent, inaction, inactive, 
inactivity, overact, re-act, re-action, re-enact, transact, trans- 
action, &c. Also (from its frequentative Agito, to drive, to 
stir up, or excite), agitate, agitation, agitator, cogitate, cogi- 
tation, &c. Hence, also, navigable, 2 navigate, navigation, 
navigator, circumnavigate, &c. 

Alius, another : Alienus, belonging to another, foreign. 
Alien, alienable, alienate, alienation, aliquant, &c. 

Alo, to nourish, to grow. Aliment, alimental, alimentary, 
alimony, alumnus, coalesce, coalition, &c. 

Alter, another. Alter, alterant, alteration, alterative, alter- 
cate, 3 altercation, alternate, alternation, alternative, adulter- 
. ation, subaltern, unalterable, &c. 

Altus, high, lofty. Altitude, alto-relievo, exalt, &c. 

Ambulo, to walk, to pace. Amble, amblingiy, ambulance, 
perambulate, perambulation, perambulator, &c. 

Amo (amatus), to love. Amiable, amiably, amiability, 
amour, amorous, amateur, amatory, enamour, paramour, &c. 
Also (from its derivative Amricus, a friend), amity, amicable, 
enemy, 4 enmity, mimical, &c. 

i Actus. — When a second word is given in a parenthesis, it is 
either the past participle of the verb, or the possessive case of the 
noun which precedes it. 

2 Navigate is from navis, a ship, and ago, in the sense of to 
leador conduct. 

3 Altercate is to assert (alterum) another, or a different thing; 
and hence to contradict, to dispute, to wrangle. 

4 Enemy, Enmity. — The prefix en in these words (whieh we 
derive through the French) represents the Latin prefix in its 
negative sense. See In, page 1 i6. 



158 LATIN ROOTS. 

Ampins, large, wide, full. Ample, amply, amplify, ampli- 
fication, amplitude, &c. 

Angulus, a corner, an angle. 1 Angle, angular, angularity, 
quadrangle, rectangle, triangle, &c. 

Anima, breath, spirit, life. Animate, animated, animation, 
animal, animalcule, inanimate, re-animate, &c. 

Animus, the mind. Animadvert, animadversion, animosity, 
equanimity, magnanimity, magnanimous, pusillanimity, pusil- 
lanimous, unanimity, unanimous, &c. 

Annus, a year. Annals, anniversary, annual, annuity, an- 
nuitant, biennial, triennial, septennial, perennial, millennium, 
superannuate, &c. 

Antiquus, old, ancient. Antiquary, antiquarian, antiquated, 
antique, antiquity, ancient, antic,* &c. 

Aptus, fit, apt, meet. Apt, aptitude, adapt, adaptation, in- 
aptitude, inept, ineptitude, unapt, attitude, 2 &c. 

Aqua, water. Aquatic, aqueous, aquarius, aquafortis, aqua- 
marina, aqua-vitae, aqueduct, terraqueous, &c. 

Arbiter, an umpire or judge. Arbitrate, arbitration, arbi- 
trator, arbitrary, &c. 

Ardeo (arsus), to burn. Ardent, ardently, ardency, ardour, 
arson, &c. 

Arma, arms. To arm, arms, army, armour, armorial, 
armory, armament, armistice, disarm, disarmed, unarmed, 
alarm,* armada, armadillo, &c. 

Ars (artis), 3 an art, skill. Art, artful, artless, artisan, artist, 
artifice, artificer, artificial, &c. 

Audio (auditus), to hear. Audible, audience, audit, auditor, 
auditorship, auditory, inaudible, &c. 

Augeo (auctus), to increase. Augment, auction, 4 auctioneer, 



1 Angle is from the Greek (ayKv\og) angidos, curved or bent. 
The root is (ayiciov) angkon, the elbow, that is, the bow or bend 
of the ell (ulna), or arm. 

2 Attitude is through the Italian attitudine, from the Latin apti- 
tudo. The posture or position best adapted to display the beauty 
or graces of a painting or statue is expressed by this word. 

a Ars (artis). — See note on Actus, page 157. 

4 Auction. — Because the price goes on increasing till the sale 
is effected. 



LATiN ROOTS. 159 

author, 1 authorize, authority, authoritative, unauthorized, 
autumn,* autumnal, &c. 

Bacchus, the god of wine, wine, revelry. Bacchanal, 
bacchanalian, debauch, debauchery, &c. 

Barbarus, rude, savage. Barbarous, barbarian, barbarity, 
barbaric, barbarism, Barbary, barb, 2 &c. 

Beatus, happy, blessed. Beatify, beatific, beatitude, &c. 

Belium, war. Belligerent, rebel, rebellion rebellious re- 
belliously, &c. 

Bene, well, good. Benediction, benefaction, benefactor, 
benefactress, benefice, beneficed, beneficial, benefit, benevolence 
benevolent, benison, unbeneficed, &c. 

Bibo, to drink. Bibulous, imbibe, wine-bibber, &c. 

Bis, Bi, twice, two. Biscuit, 3 bidental, biennial, bifurcated, 
bigamy, bilinguous, biped, bisect, bivalve, &c. 

Bonus, good. A bonus, boon,* bounty, bounteous, boun- 
teously, bountiful, bountifully, &c. 

Brevis, short, brief. Brevity, breviary, breve, brevet, brief 
abbreviation, abridge, abridgment, &c. 

Brutus, brute, senseless. Brute, brutal, brutality, brutalize, 
brutify, brutish, Brutus, &c. 

Cado 4 (casus), to fall out or happen. Cadence, cadency, 
cadent, cascade, case, casual, casualty, casuist, casuistical, 
casuistry, accidence, accident, accidental, coincide, coinci- 
dence, coincident, decadence, decay, deciduous, incident, inci- 
dental, occasion, occasional, Occident, chance,* &c. 

Caedo 4 (caesus), to cut, to kill. Decide, decision, decisive, 
concise, conciseness, excise, excision, incision, incisor, inde- 
cision, precise, preciseness, precision, fratricide, homicide, 
matricide, parricide, regicide, suicide, suicidal, undecided, 
undecisive, unexcised, vaticide, &c. 

Calculus, a small stone or pebble. Calculate, calculation, 
incalculable, miscalculate, causey,* &c. 

i Author. — Properly, one who increases, generates, or produces 
any thing. 

2 Barbary. — This name was given by the Romans to the coun- 
tries along the northern coast of Africa. Barb is properly a 
Barbary horse : but barb, as of an arrow, is from barba, a beard. 

3 Biscuit, that is, ticice or double baked. The root is coctus. 

4 In composition, cado makes cido, as incklo ; but o&do, to 
cut or kill, makes cldo, and cjesus, ctius; as incido and incisus. 



160 LATIN HOOTS. 

Caleo, to be warm or hot. Calefy, calefactiou, calid, 
calidity, caloric, incalescence, scald,* nonchalance,* &c. 

Campus, a plain, an open field. Camp, campaign, decamp, 
decampment, encamp, encampment, champaign, champagne, 
Campania, 1 champion, 2 &c. 

Candeo, to be white, to shine, to be bright, to be white with 
heat. Candent, candid, candour, candidate, 3 candle, candle- 
mas, candy, candied, chandler, chandelier, &c. Cendo (census), 
to kindle or inflame. Censer,* in' cense, incen'se, incentive, 
incendiary, kindle, &c. 

Cano (cantus), 4 to sing. Canorous, cant, cantata, canticle, 
canto, canzonet, chant, chantry, chanticleer, charm, * charm- 
ing, ac'cent, accent', accentuate, des'cant,* descant', enchant, 
enchanting, enchantment, incantation, precentor, recant, re- 
cantation, &c. 

Capio (captus), to take, hold, or contain. See page 153, 
for the derivatives of this word. 

Caput (capitis), the head. Cap, cap-a-pie, cape, capital, 
capitular, capitulate, captain, chaplet, chapter, bicipitous, 
occiput, precipice, precipitate, precipitous, recapitulate, chief, * 
kerchief,* &c. 

Caro (carnis), flesh. Carnage, carnal, carnival, 3 carnivo- 
rous, charnel house, incarnate, incarnation, &c. 

Castigo, to punish. Castigate, castigation, chastise, &c. 

Causa, a cause, a reason. Cause, causal, causality, causa- 
tion, causative, accuse, 6 accusation, accusatory, excuse, 7 ex- 
cusable, inexcusable, recusant, &c. 

i " Or where Campania's plain forsaken lies, 

A dreary waste expanding to the skies."— Goldsmith. 

2 Champion. — One who takes the field {champ) in defence of 
any person or cause. 

3 Those who canvassed for place or preferment among the 
Eomans were called candidati, from the ivhite toga which they 
wore, as emblematic of the purity of their intentions. 

^ In composition, cano makes cino, and cantus, centus. 

5 Carnival — The latter part of the word is from valeo, to bid 
farewell. 

e Accuse. — From accuso, to bring (causam) a cause or charge 
ad) against a person. 

7 Excuse. — From excuso, to get a person (ex) out of (causa) a 
cause or charge ; and hence, to free from blame. 



LATIX HOOTS. 161 

Caveo (cautus), to beware, to avoid. Caution, cautious, 
incautious, precaution, precautionary, &c. 

Cavus, hollow. Care, cavern, cavity, concave, concavity, 
excavate, excavation, &c. 

Cedo (cessus), to go, to go back, to yield. See page 154, 
for the derivatives of this word. 

Censeo (census), to think, to judge, to estimate or value. 
Censor, censorial, censorious, censoriousness, censure, censur- 
able, census, &c. 

Centrum, the middle point or centre. Centre, central, 
centrality, centric, centrifugal, centripetal, concentric, concen- 
trate, concentration, eccentric, &c. 

Centum, a hundred. Cent, centage. centenary, century, 
centennial, centesimal, centigrade, centipede, centurion, cen- 
tal, &c. 

Cerno (cretus), to sift or separate by a sieve, to distin- 
guish, to perceive, to judge or determine. Concern, concern- 
ing, decree, decretal, discern, discernment, discernible, dis- 
cerning, discreet, discretion, discretional, discretionary, dis- 
crete, discretive, discriminate, indiscreet, indiscretion, indis- 
criminate, secret, 1 secrecy, secretary, secrete, secretion, 
unconcern, undiscerning, &c. 

Certus, certain, sure. Certain, certainty, certify, certifi- 
cate, certitude, ascertain, ascertainable, incertitude, uncertain, 
unqertainty, &c, 

Cieo (citus), to stir up, to call. Cite, citation, excite, ex- 
citement, excitable, excitability, exciting, &c, 

Circulus, a circle, a ring. Circle, circular, circulate, circu- 
lation, circulative, encircle, semicircle, &c. 

Civis, a citizen. Civic, civil, civil-war, , civility, civilian, 
civilize, civilization, incivility, uncivil, uncivilized, &c. 

Clamo (clamatus), to cry or call out. Claim, claimant, 
clamour, clamorous, acclaim, acclamation, declaim, declama- 
tion, disclaim, exclaim, exclamation, exclamatory, irreclaim- 
able, proclaim, proclamation, reclaim, reclamation, unclaimed, 
unreclaimed, &c. 

Claru3, clear, bright, manifest. Clarify, clarion,* clario- 

1 Secret. — From (se, aside, or apart, and cretus, separated 
bECEETUs, put apart or concealed ; and hence, secret. 



1G2 LATIN ROOTS. 

net, clear, clearance, declare, declaration, declaratory, chanti- 
cleer, clairvoyance, claret,* &c. 

Claudo 1 (clansns), to shut, to close. Clause, close, closet, 
conclude, conclusion, conclusive, disclose, disclosure, enclose, 
enclosure, exclude, exclusion, exclusive, inclusive, inconclu- 
sive, preclude, preclusion, preclusive, recluse, seclude, seclu- 
sion, &c. 

Clino, to bend, to lean, to lie down. Clinic, clinical, decline, 
declination, declension, disincline, disinclination, incline, in- 
clination, indeclinable, recline, &c. 

Colo (cultus), to till or cultivate. Colony, colonial, colonize, 
cultivate, culture, agriculture, horticulture, menticulture, 
uncultivated, clown,* occult, 2 &c. 

Concilio, to unite, to make friends. Conciliate, concilia- 
tion, conciliatory, reconcile, reconcilement, reconciliation, irre- 
concilable, unreconciled, &c. 

Contra, against, opposite to. Contrary, contrariety, con- 
trast, 3 counter, counteract, contraband,* &c. 

Coquo (coctus), to boil, to cook. Cook, cookery, concoct, 
concoction, decoct, decoction, cuisine,* &c. 

Cor (cordis), the heart. Core, cordial, cordiality, accord, 
accordance, accordingly, concord, discord, record, unrecorded, 
courage, courageous, encourage, &c. 

Corpus (corporis), a body. Corps, corpse, corporal, corpo- 
rate, corporation, corporeal, corpulence, corpulency, corpulent, 
corpuscle, incorporate, incorporeal, cuerpo,* &c. 

Credo (creditus), to believe, to trust. Credence, creden- 
tial, credible, credibility, credit, creditable, creditor, credulity, 
credulous, creed, accredited, discredit, discreditable, incredible, 
incredibility, incredulity, incredulous, miscreant,* recreant,* 
&c. 

Creo (creatus), to make out of nothing. Create, creation, 
creative, Creator, creature, increate, miscreated, procreate, 
procreative, recreate, recreation, uncreated, &c. 

1 In composition, claudo makes clUdo, as includo ; and 
ciiAUSUS, clusus, as inclusvs. 

* Occult. — Literally, ploughed over, or buried and hence hid- 
den, secret. 

3 Contrast. — The latter part of the word is from sto, to stand. 
To contrast is to make to stand or place in opposition for the 
purpose of comparison. 



LATIN HOOTS. 163 

Cresco (cretus), to grow, to increase. Crescent, crescive, 
accrue, concrete, concretion, decrease, decrement, excrescence, 
increase, increment, recruit, cresses, &c. 

Crimen (criminis), an accusation, a crime. Crime, crimi- 
nal, criminality, criminate, recriminate, &c. 

Crusta, a crust. Crust, crusty, crustily, crustaceous, incrus- 
tation, &c. 

Crux (crucis), a cross. Crucial, crucify, crucifix, cruci- 
fixion, excruciate, crosier, crucible,* crusade, cruise,* &c. 

Cubo or Cumbo, to lie down, to recline at table. Cuba- 
tion, incubus,* incubation, incumbency, incumbent, recum- 
bent, succumb, superincumbent, covey,* &c. 

Culpa, a fault, blame. Culpable, culpability, exculpate, 
exculpation, exculpatory, &c. 

Cur a, care, cure. Cure, curacy, curate, curative, curator, 
curious, curiosity, care, careful, careless, accurate, accuracy, 
inaccurate, incurious, insecure, insecurity, procurator or proc- 
tor,* procuracy or proxy, procure, procurement, secure, 1 
security, sinecure, sinecurist, &c. 

Curro (cursus), to run. Current, currency, curricle,* cur- 
sitor, cursory, courant, courier, course, courser, coursing, 
concourse, concur, discourse, discursive, excursion, incur, 
occur, precursor, recourse, recur, succour, &c. 

Curvus, curved or bent. Curvated, curvature, curve,* 
curvet,* curvilineal, curvilinear, curb, &c. 

Cutio (cussus), to shake. Concussion, concussive, discuss, 
discussion, discussive, percussion, percutient, &c. 

Damnum, loss, hurt, harm. Damage, damn, damnable, 
damnatory, condemn, condemnation, condemnatory, indem- 
nify, indemnity, undamaged, &c. 

Decern, ten. December, decemviri, decimal, decimate, 
decennial, dean,* duodecimo, &c. 

Decens, becoming, graceful, proper. Decency, decent, in- 
decent, indecency, &c. : Decor, becomingness, grace, beauty. 
Decorate, decoration, decorator, decorous, decorum, indeco- 
rous, indecorum, &c. 



1 Secure.— From securus, which is compounded of se, apart, 
and eura, care or concern. 

" Upon my secure hour thy uncle stole."— Hamlet. 



1C4 LATIN ROOTS. 

Deliciae, delicacies, dainties. Delicious, deliciousness, deli- 
cacy, delicate, indelicacy, indelicate, &c. 

Dens (dentis), a tooth. Dental, dentist, denticulated, den- 
tifrice, dentition, tridental, indent, indentation, indenture,'* 
dent,* dandelion,* trident, &c. _ 

Deus, a god, God. Deity, deist, deodand, &c. 

Dexter, the right hand. Dexterity, dexterous, &c. 

Dico (dictus), to speak, to say. Diction, dictionary, dic- 
tum, dictate, dictatorial, ditty,* benedict, benediction, indict, 
indictment, interdict, interdiction, jurisdiction, contradict, 
predicate, predict, verdict, ditto,* &c. 

Dies, a day. Dial, diary, diurnal, meridian, noctidial, 
quotidian, journal,* &c. 

Dignus, worthy. Dignity, dignitary, dignify, deign, con- 
dign, disdain, indignity, indignant, &c. 

Divido (divisus), to divide. Divide, dividend, division, 
divisible, individual, indivisible, &c. 

Do (datus), to give. Date,* data, deodand, add, adden- 
dum, addition, edit, edition, editor, perdition, superadd, &c. : 
Donum, a gift. Donation, donor, donative, condone, condo- 
nation, &c. 

Doceo (doctus), to teach. Docible, docibility, docile, doci- 
lity, doctor, doctrine, doctrinal, document, documentary, in- 
doctrinate, indocile, doctrinaire, &c. 

Doleo, to grieve, to be in pain. Dole, doleful, condole, 
condolence, dolour, &e. 

Dominus, a lord, a master. Domain, dominant, domina- 
tion, domineer, dominical, dominion, don,* predominance, 
predominant, duenna,* &c. 

Domus, a house, a family. Dome, domestic, domesticate, 
domicile, domiciled, domiciliary, &c. 

Dormio (dormitus), to sleep. Dormant, dormar, dormancy, 
dormitory,' dormouse, &c. 

Dorsum, the back. Dorsal, indorse or endorse,* &c. 

Duco (ductus), to bring, to lead. See page 154, for the 
derivatives of this word. 

Duo, two. Dual, dualism, duality, duello, duet, duode- 
cimo, duplex, duplicate, duplicity, &c. 

Durus, hard, lasting. Durable, durability, durance, dura- 
tion, during, endure, obduracy, obdurate, &c. 

Ens (entis), being; Esse, to be. Entity, essence, es- 



LATIN ROOTS. 165 

sential, absent, absentee, absence, interest, disinterested, 
nonentity, presence, present, presentment, presentable, 
presentation, omnipresence, omnipresent, quintessence, repre- 
sent, representative, uninteresting, &c. 

Eo (itus), to go. Ambient, ambition, 1 ambitious, circuit, 
circuitous, exit, initial,* initiate,* obit, obituary, perish, post- 
obit, preterite, sedition, 2 seditious, trance,* transient, transit, 
transition, transitive, transitory, intransitive, uninitiated, issue,* 
&c. 

Erro (erratus), to wander. Err, errant, erratum, errata, 
erratic, erroneous, error, aberration, arrant, unerring, &c. 

Eternus, without beginning or end. Eternal, eternity, 
eterne, co-eternal, &c. 

Examen, a balance, a test, or trial. Examine, examiner, 
examination, unexamined, &c. 

Exemplum, a copy or pattern. Example, exemplar, ex- 
emplary, sample,* sampler, unexampled, &c. 

Externus, outside, outward, foreign. Exterior, extern, 
external, extraneous, extreme, extremity, extrinsic, estrange, 
strange,* stranger, exotic, exoteric, &c. 

Fabula, something much spoken of, a story, a fable. Fable,* 
fabled, fabulous, fib, confabulate, affable, affability, ineffable, 
infant,* &c. 

Facies, the make, shape, form, outward appearance, face. 
Facade,* face, facing, fashion,* fashionable, feature,* efface, 
superficies, superficial, surface, &c. 

Facio (factus), to make, to do : Fio, to be made, to become. 
Fact, factor, faction, factious, factitious, factory, f ac-simile, * 
factotum, feasible, feasibility, feat, fit, fiat, affect, affectation, 
affection, affectionate, affected, affecting, artifice, artificer, 
artificial, benefice, beneficent, beneficial, benefit, confectionary, 
counterfeit, defeat, defect, deficient, deficit, disaffected, dis- 

1 Ambition. — This word, from simply meaning (itus) the going 
(ambi) about of candidates for the purpose of canvassing for posts 
of honor and preferment, came to signify an inordinate desire 
of advancement — a lust of power. 

2 Sedition (for se-itio, d being euphonic). This term literally 
means going apart ; but because the Roman people, when they 
quarrelled with their rulers, used to retire to Mount Aventine, 
the term came to signify factious proceedings, and insurrectionary 
attempts. 



166 LATIN ROOTS. 

affection, edifice, effect, effective, effectual, efficacy, efficacious, 
efficiency, efficient, forfeit, forfeiture, fortification, imperfect, 
indefeasible, infect, infectious, magnificence, magnificent, 
manufacture, modification, mortification, munificence, muni- 
ficent, notification, office,* officer, official, officiate, officious, 
olfactory, orifice,* ossification, pacification, pacificator, per- 
fect, perfection, personification, petrifaction, pluperfect, pro- 
ficiency, proficient, profit, prolific, ratification, refection, refec- 
tory, refit, sacrifice, sanctification, satisfaction, satisfactory, 
significance, significant, signification, somnific, soporific, spe- 
cific,* specification, stupefaction, sudorific, suffice, sufficiency, 
surfeit, terrific, verification, versification, &c. — To these add 
words ending 'mfy; as fortify, magnify, mollify, &c. 

Facilis, easy to be done ; easy. Facile, facility, facilitate, 
faculty, difficult, difficulty, &c. 

Fallo (falsus), to deceive, to mistake. Fallible, fallibility, 
fallacy, fallacious, false, falsehood, falsify, falsification, in- 
fallible, infallibility, fail,* &c. 

Fama, fame, renown, repute. Fame, famous, defame, 
defamation, defamatory, infamy, infamous, fable,* &c. 

Familia, a family. Familiar, familiarity, familiarize, &c. : 
Paterfamilias, the father, or head of a family. 

Fanum, a shrine, a temple. Fane, fanatic,* fanatical, 
fanaticism, profane,* profanity, profanation, &c. 

Faveo, to favour. Favour, favourite, favouritism, favour- 
able, unfavourable, &c. 

Febris, a fever. Febrile, febrifuge, fever,* feverish, feverous, 
feverishness, February,* &c. 

Fendo (fensus), to keep off, to strike. Fend, fender, fence, 
defend, defendant, defence, defensible, defensive, offend, offence, 
offensive, unoffending, &c. 

Fera, a wild beast. Ferine, ferocious, ferociously, fero- 
ciousness, ferocity, fierce,* fiercely, fierceness, &c. 

Fero (latus), to bear or carry, to suffer. Ferry, fertile, 
fertility, fertilize, circumference, confer, defer, differ, differ- 
ent, infer, Lucifer, mammiferous, offer, offertory, pestiferous, 
prefer, proffer, refer, somniferous, soporiferous, suffer, trans- 
fer, vociferate, vociferous, &c. See Latus. 

Ferveo, to boil, to grow hot. Fervour, fervent, fervency, 
fervescent, fervid, effervesce, effervescence, ferment, unfer- 
mented, &c. See Febris. 



LATIN ROOTS. 167 

Festurn, a feast, a banquet. Feast, festal, festival, festive, 
festivity, fete,* festoon,* &c. 

Fessus, confessed. Confess, confessor, confessedly, confes- 
sion, confessional, profess, professedly, profession, professional, 
professor, professorial, &c. 

Fides, faith. Bond fide, confide, confidant, confidence, 
. confident, confidential, diffidence, diffident, infidel, infi- 
delity, perfidy, perfidious, fidelity, affiance, defy,* defiance, 
&c. 

Figura, a shape, an image. Figure, figurative, disfigure 
disfiguration, effigy, prefigure, &c. 

Fiiius, a son : Filia, a daughter. Filial, filiate, filiation, 
filly, affiliate, affiliated, affiliation, &c. 

Filum, a thread. Filaceous, filament, file,* filigree,* fillet,* 
filter,* filtrate, enfilade,* profile, &c. 

Fingo (fictus), to form or fashion. Feign, feint, fiction, 
fictitious, unfeigned, &c. 

Finis, the end, a limit or boundary. Fine,* finery, final, 
finish, finite, affinity, confine,* confinement, define, definite, 
definition, infinite, infinitive, infinitude, infinity, refine, re- 
finement, superfine, finesse,* finical,* unfinished, &c. 

Firmus, firm, strong. Firm, firmament, affirm, confirm, 
infirm, infirmary, infirmity, &c. 

Fiscus, a basket, a bag or purse, the treasury. Fisc, fiscal, 
confiscate,* confiscation, confiscatory, &c. 

Fixus, stuck, fixed. Fix, fixity, fixture, affix, crucifix, 
crucifixion, infix, postfix, prefix, transfix, &c. 

Flamma, a flame, a blaze. Flame, flambeau, inflame, in- 
flammability, inflammation, inflammatory, &c, 

Flatus, a puff, or blast of wind. Flatulence, flatulent, in- 
flate, inflated, inflation, sufflation, &c. 

Flecto (flexus), to bend, to turn, to change. Flexible, 
flexibility, flexile, flection, flexion, flexure, circumflect, cir- 
cumflex, deflect, inflect, reflect, reflex, &c. 

Fligo (flictus), to beat, to strike. Afflict, affliction, afflict- 
ive, conflict, inflict, infliction, &c. 

Flos (floris), a flower, a blossom. Flora, Florence, florid, 
florist, flour,* flourish, flower, florin, &c. 

Fiuo (fluxus), to flow. Fluent, fluency, fluid, fluxion, flux, 
affluence, affluent,* confluence, confluent, conflux, defluxion, 
effluvium, effluvia, influence, influential, influx, reflux, super- 



168 LATIN ROOTS. 

fluity, superfluous, flush,* &c. : Fluctus, a wave. Fluctuate, 
fluctuation, fluctuating, &c. 

Folium, a leaf. Foliaceous, foliage, foliate, foliation, folier, 
folio, interfoliate, portfolio, trefoil, &c. 

Fons (fontis), a fountain. Font, fontal, fount, &c. 
Forma, form or shape, a figure. Form, formal, formality, 
formation, formula, formulary, conform, conformable, confor- 
mity, deform, deformity, inform,* informal, informality, 
misinform, nonconformist, perform, performance, reform, 
transform, uniform, uniformity, &c. 

Fors (fortis), chance, luck. Fortune, fortuitous, fortunate, 
misfortunate, unfortunate, &c. 

Fortis, strong, valiant. Fort, forte,* fortify, fortification, 
fortitude, fortress, comfort, comfortable, discomfort, effort,* 
force,* forcible, enforce, enforcement, re-enforce, re-enforce- 
ment, unfortified, &c. 

Frango (fractus), to break. Frangible, infringe, fraction, 
fracture, fragile, fragility, fragment, fragmentary, frail,* in- 
fraction, refract, refractory, &c. 

Frater, a brother. Fraternal, fraternity, fratricide, frater- 
nize, friar,* confraternity, &c. 

Fraus (fraudis), fraud. Fraudulence or fraudulency, fraud- 
ulent, defraud, defraudment, &c. 

Frigus, cold. Frigid, frigidity, freeze, fresco, fresh, refresh, 
refrigerate, refrigerator, &c. 

Frons (frontis), the forehead. Front, frontier, frontispiece, 
frontlet, affront,* confront, effrontery, &c. 

Fugio (fugitus), to flee. Fugitive, centrifugal, febrifuge, 
refuge, refugee, subterfuge, &c. 

Fumus, smoke. Fume, fumid, fumidity, fumigate, fumi- 
gation, fumy, perfume,* perfumery, &c. 

Fundo (fusus), to pour out, to melt. Found, foundery or 
foundry, fuse, fusible, fusion, confound, confuse, diffuse, 
diffusive, effuse, infuse, profuse, refund, refuse, suffuse, trans- 
fuse, &c. 

Fundus, the bottom. Found,* founder, foundation, funda- 
mental, profound, profundity, unfounded, &c. 

Gelu, frost, ice. Gelatine, gelatinous, gelid, jelly,* congeal, 
congealable, congelation, &c. 

Genus (generis), a race or family, a kind or sort. Gen- 
der, general, generality, generalize, generalissimo, generic, 



LATIN ROOTS. 169 

generate, generous, generosity, genial, genius, genteel, janty,* 
gentile, gentility, gentle, gentleman, gentry, genuine, con- 
genial, degenerate, disingenuous, engender, ingenious, inge- 
nuity, ingenuous, primogeniture, progeny, progenitor, regen- 
erate, unregenerate, engine, gin, &c. 

Gero (gestus), to carry, to bear, to bring. Gerund, gest, 
gestation, gesticulate, gesture, jest, 1 belligerent, congeries, con- 
gestion, digest, indigestible, indigestion, suggest, vicegerent, 
germ,* germen, germ an,* &c. 

Gloria, glory. Glorious, glorify, inglorious, &c. 

Gradior (gressus), to go step by step, to go. Grade, grada- 
tion, gradient, gradual, graduate, graduation, aggression, con- 
gress, degrade, degree, digress, egress, ingredient,* ingress, 
progress, regress, retrograde, retrogression, transgress, under- 
graduate, &c. 

Grandis, great, grand, lofty. Grand, grandeur, grandee, 
grandiloquence, grandiloquent, aggrandize, &c. 

Granum, a grain of corn. Grain, granary, granite, grani- 
vorous, granulate, grenade,* grenadier, ingrained, pomegra- 
nate,* corn,* garner,* garnet,* &c. 

Gratia, favour, grace, thankfulness. Grace, graced, graceful, 
graceless, Graces, gracious, grateful, gratify, gratis, gratitude, 
gratuitous, gratuity, disgrace, ingrate, ingratitude, ingratiate, 
ungraceful, ungracefully, ungracefulness, &c. Hence, also, 
agree,* agreeable, agreement, disagreeable, disagreement, &c. 

Gravis, heavy, weighty. Grave, graveness, gravid, gravi- 
tate, gravitation, gravity, grief, grieve,* grievance, grievous, 
aggravate,* aggrieve, &c. 

Grex (gregis), a flock, a herd. Gregarious, aggregate, 
congregate, congregational, egregious,* &c. 

Guberno, to govern. Governor, governess, government, 
governmental, misgovernment, ungovernable, &c. 

Gustus, taste, relish. Gust, gusto, gout, 2 disgust, disgusting, 
ragout,* &c. 

Habeo (habitus), to have, to hold. Habiliment, habit, 



1 Jest, an abbreviation of gesture. A jest is properly a gesture 
or grimace, to excite mirth. 

2 Gout, a drop, is from the Latin gutta; as " gouts " of blood. 
Hence, also, our word gutter. 

H 



170 LATIN ROOTS. 

habitable, habitation, habituate, habitual, cohabit, exhibit, 
exhibition, inhabit, inhabitant, inhibit, prohibit, uninhabitable, 
uninhabited, &c. 

Haereo (hsesus), to stick to, to adhere. Adhere, adherence, 
adherent, cohere, coherence, coherent, cohesion, cohesive, 
cohesiveness, hesitate, incoherence, incoherent, inhere, in- 
herence, inherent, &c. 

Hares (hasredis), an heir. Heir, heirloom, heritage, here- 
ditary, coheir, coheiress, disinherit, inherit, inheritable, inheri- 
tance, inheritor, &c. 

Honor, respect, regard. Honor or honour, honorary, 
honourable, honest, honesty, dishonour, dishonourable, hono- 
rarium, unhonoured, &c. 

Horreo, to be rough as with bristles, to regard with disgust 
and dread. Horrent, horrible, horrid, horrific, horror, abhor, 
abhorrence, abhorrent, &c. 

Hospes (hospitis), a host, a guest. Host,* hostess, hospi- 
table, hospital, hospitality, hotel,* ostler,* &c. 

Humus, the ground. Exhume, humble,* humiliate, humi- 
lity, inhume, posthumous, human,* humane,* &c. 

Imago, an image or picture. Image, imagery, imagine,* 
imaginary, imagination, imaginative, &c. 

Imitor, to imitate. Imitable, imitability, imitate, imita- 
tion, imitator, inimitable, inimitability, unimitable, &c. 

Impero, to command. Imperative, imperial, imperialist, 
imperious, emperor, empress, empire, &c. 

Interns, below, beneath. Inferior, inferiority, infernal, 
&c. 

Insula, an island. Insular, insulated, isle, islet, island, 
isolated, peninsula, peninsular, &c. 

Ira, anger. Ire, irritate, irritable, irascible, &c. 

Iterum, again, a second time. Iteration, reiterate, &c. 

Jaceo, to lie. Adjacent, circumjacent, interjacent, &c. 

Jacio (jectus), to throw or cast. For the derivatives of 
this word see page 155. 

Jocus, a joke or jest. Jocose, jocular, jocularity, jocund, 
joke, juggler, * juggle, &c. 

Judex (judicis), a judge. Judge, judgment, judicature, 
judicial, judiciary, judicious, adjudge, adjudicate, adjudica- 
tion, extrajudicial, injudicious, misjudge, prejudge, prejudice, 
prejudicial, unprejudiced, &c. 



LATIN ROOTS. 171 

Jugum, a yoke. Conjugal, conjugate, subdue,* subjugate, 
subjugation, yoke, yoke-fellow, &c. 

Jungo (junctus), to join. Join, joiner, joint, junction, 
juncture, junto,* adjoin, adjunct, conjoin, conjoint, conjunc- 
tion, conjuncture, disjoin, disjunct, disjunction, disjunctive, 
conjoin, injunction, rejoin, rejoinder, subjoin, subjunctive, 
unjointed, &c. 

Juro, to swear. Juror, jury, abjure, adjure, conju're,* 
con'jure,* conjurer, nonjuring, perjure, perjury, &c. 

Jus (juris), right, law, justice. Jurist, juridical, jurisdic- 
tion, jurisprudence, injure, injury, injurious: Justus, just, 
upright. Just, justice, justify, justifiable, justification, un- 
just, &c. 

Labor, toil. Labour, labourer, laborious, laboriousness, 
elaborate, laboratory, belabour, &c. 

Lament or, to weep or bewail Lament, lamentable, lamen- 
tation, unlamented, &c. 

Langueo, to be languid, to droop. Languid, languidly, 
languidness, languish, languor, &c. 

Lapis (lapidis), a stone. Dilapidated, lapidary, &c. 

Largus, big, extensive. Large, largess, enlarge, &c. 

Latus, brought or carried. Collate, collation, elate, illa- 
tive, legislate, legislature, oblate, oblation, prelacy, prelate, 
prolate, relate, relation, relative, superlative, translate, dilate,* 
&c. : Latus, carried out, extended, wide. Latitude, latitudina- 
rian, &c. 

Latus (lateris), the side. Lateral, collateral, equilateral, 
quadrilateral, trilateral, &c. 

Laus (laudis), praise. Laud, laudable, laudanum.* 

Lavo (lotus), to wash. Lava,* lavatory, lave, lavish,* 
laundress, laundry,* lotion, lavender,* &c. 

Laxus, loose. Lax, laxity,* laxness, laxative, prolix, pro- 
lixity, relax, relaxable, relaxation, &c. 

Lego (lectus), to gather or select; also, to read. Legend, 
legendary, legible, legion, lecture, lesson, collect, dialect, 
eclectic, elect, electioneering, electoral, elegance, elegant,* 
eligible, eligibility, illegibility, predilection, prelection, re- 
collect, select, elite,* &c. From its compounds, Diligo, come 
diligence, diligent, &c. ; from Intelligo, intelligence, intel- 
ligent, &c. ; and from Negligo, negligence, negligent, ne- 
glect,* &c. 



172 LATIN ROOTS. 

Levo (levatus), to raise or lift up. Leaven,* Levant,* 
levee, lever,* levy, alleviate, elevate, irrelevant,* relevant, 
relief, relieve,* &c. 

Lex (legis), a law. Legal, legality, legalize, legislate, 
legitimacy, legitimate, privilege, law,* &c. 

Liber, free. Liberal, liberality, liberate, libertine, liber- 
tinism, liberty, deliver, deliverance, illiberal, &c. 

Liber, a book. Library, librarian, libel,* &c. 

Libra, a pound, a balance. Librate, equilibrium, deliberate, 
deliberation, &c. 

Liceo, to be lawful. Licence, license, licentiate, licentious, 
licentiousness, illicit, &c. > 

Ligo, to bind, to tie. League,* liable, liability, liege, liga 
ment, ligature, obligate, oblige, religion, &c. 

Limes (limitis), a path, a boundary. Limit, limited, limi- 
tation, illimitable, unlimited. 

Linea, a line. Line,* lineal, lineament, linear, lineage, cur- 
vilinear, delineate, interline, interlinear, outline, rectilinear, 
underline, linen,* &c. 

Linquo (lictus), to leave. Delinquency, delinquent, relin- 
quish, derelict, dereliction, relic, relict, &c. 

Liquo, to melt, to be liquid. Liquor, liqueur, liquid, liquid- 
ate, liquidation, liquefy, &c. 

Lis (litis), strife, a lawsuit. Litigant, litigate, litigation, 
litigious, litigiousness, &c. 

Litera, a letter. Letter, lettered, literal, literary, literati, 
literature, alliteration, illiterate, obliterate, &c. 

Locus, a place. Local, locality, locate, location, locomotion, 
locomotive, allocate, dislocate, &c. 

Loquor (locutus), to speak. Loquacity, loquacious, col- 
loquy, colloquial, elocution, eloquence, eloquent, grandiloquent, 
obloquy, soliloquy, ventriloquy, &c. 

Luceo, to shine, to be clear. Lucent, lucid, lucidness, Luci- 
fer, elucidate, elucidation, pellucid, &c. 

Ludo (lusus), to play, to deceive. Allude, allusion, col- 
lude, collusion, delude, delusion, elude, elusive, illude, illusion, 
illusory, prelude, ludicrous, &c. 

Lumen, light. Luminary, luminous, illume, illumine, illu- 
minate, illumination, relume, limner,* &c. 

Luna, the moon. Lunacy, lunatic,* lunation, lunar, lune, 
lunette, sublunary, &e. 



LATIN ROOTS. 173 

Luo (lutus), to wash, to wash away. Abluent, ablution, 
alluvial, diluent, dilute,* dilution, &c. 

Maceo, to be lean or thin : Macer, lean. Macerate, meagre,* 
meagerness, emaciated, &e. 

Machina, a contrivance, a machine. Machine,* machinist, 
machinery, machinate, machinator, &c. 

Macula, a spot or stain. Maculate, immaculate, mackerel,* 
mail,* &c. 

Magister, a master. Master,* mastery, magistrate, magis- 
terial, magistracy, &c. 

Magnus, great. Magna Charta, magnitude, magnanimity, 
magnanimous, magnify, magnificence, magnificent, magnilo- 
quence, main,* majesty, majestic, major, majority, mayor,* 
maxim,* &c. 

Male, bad, ill. Malecontent, malcontent, malapropos, male- 
diction, malefactor, malefaction, malevolent, malversation, 
malice, malicious, &c. 

Mali gnus, malignant. Malign, malign er, malignancy, ma- 
lignant, malignity, &c. 

Malleus, a hammer. Mail, maul,* mallet, malleable, mal- 
leability, immalleable or unmalleable, &c. 

Mando, to give in charge, to command. Mandamus, 1 man- 
date, command, countermand, demand, remand, commend- 
recommend, &c. 

Maneo (mansus), to stay, to remain. Manse, mansion, 
permanence, permanent, remain, remnant, menial,* &c. 

Manus, the hand. Manacle, manage, manipulate, manual, 
manufacture, manumit, manuscript, emancipate, mismanage- 
maintain,* manifest,* &c. 

Mare, the sea. Marine, mariner, maritime, submarine, 
transmarine, ultramarine, rosemary, 2 &c. 

Mater, a mother. Matron, matronize, matronly, maternal, 
matriculate, matrimony, matrimonial, &e. 

Materia, matter or stuff, substance. Material, materialism, 
materials, matter, immaterial, &c. 



1 Mandamus.— A kind of writ — literally, we command. 

2 Rosema7'y.— From ros, dew ; and marinus, marine. So called 
because it generally grows on the sea-shore, and appears be- 
dewed with the spray. 



174 LATIN ROOTS. 

Maturus, ripe. Mature, maturity, immature, immaturity, 
premature, prematurity, &c. 

Medius, middle. Mediate, mediator, mediocrity, medium, 
immediate, intermediate, mean,* moiety,* &c. 

Medeor, to cure or heal. Medical, medicament, medicate, 
medicine, medicinal, remedy, remedial, &c. 

Meditor, to muse or think upon. Meditate, meditation, 
premeditate, premeditation, unpremeditated, &c. 

Memor, mindful, keeping in mind. Memoir, memorable, 
memorandum, memory, memorial, memorialize, commemorate, 
immemorial, remember, remembrance, &e. 

Menda, a spot, a blemish. Mend, amend,* emend, &c. 

Mens (mentis), the mind. Mental, demented, &c. 

Mergo (mersus), to dip or plunge. Merge, emerge,* emer- 
gency, emersion, immerse, submerge, &c. 

Merx (mercis), merchandise. Mercer, merchant, mer- 
chantable, mercantile, mercenary, commerce, commercial, 
market, mart,* amerce,* &c. 

Metior (mensus), to measure. Mete, meter, commensurable, 
commensurate, dimension, immense, immensity, measure, &c. 
See Metron, page 198. 

Migro, to migrate. Migration, migratory, emigrant, emi- 
grate, immigrant, immigrate, transmigrate, &c. 

Miles (militis), a soldier. Militant, military, militate, 
militia, &c. 

Mille, a thousand. Millenarian, milfoil, millennium, mil- 
leped, millesimal, mile,* &c. 

Mineo, to hang over or beyond. Eminence, eminent, immi- 
nence, imminent, prominence, prominent, &c. 

Minister, a servant. Minister, ministering, ministerial, 
ministry, administer, administrator, &c. 

Minuo (minutus), to lessen. Minikin, minim, minimum, 
minion,* minor, minority, minus, minu'te, min'ute, minutiae, 
diminish, diminutive, mince,* minnow,* &c. 

Minis, strange, wonderful. Miracle, miraculous, admire, 
admirable, admiration, marvel,* mirror,* &c. 

Misceo (mistus or mixtus), to mix. Mix, mixture, commix, 
commixture, intermix, miscellany, miscellaneous, promiscuous, 
unmixed, &c. 

Miser, wretched. Miser,* miserable, misery, commiserate, 
commiseration, &c. 



LATIN ROOTS. 175 

Mitto (missus), to send. Mittimus, missile, mission, admit, 
admissible, commit, committee, commissariat, commissary, 
compromise, demise, dimissory, dismiss, emit, emissary, 
emission, immission, intermit, intermission, manumit, manu- 
mission, omit, permit', per'mit, premi'se, prem'ise, pre- 
mises,* promise, remit, submit, surmise, transmit, unremit- 
ting, &c. 

Modus, a measure, a manner, a rule. Mode, modal, model, 
moderate, modern,* modernize, modest,* modesty, modicum, 
modify, modish,* mood, modulate, modus, accommodate, com- 
modious, commodity, incommode, &c. 

Moneo (monitus), to put in mind, to warn. Monish, mo- 
nition, monitor, monument, monumental, admonish, admoni- 
tory, summon, summons,* &c. 

Mons (montis), a mountain. Mount, mound,* mountain, 
mountebank, dismount, promontory, remount, surmount, 
ultramontane, unsurmountable, amount,* &c. 

Monstro, to show or point out. Monster,* monstrous, 
muster,* demonstrate, remonstrate, &c. 

Mors (mortis), death. Mortal, mortality, mortgage, mor- 
tify, mortmain,* mortuary, murder,* &c. 

Mos (moris), a manner or custom. Moral, morality, moral- 
ize, morals, demoralize, morose,* &c. 

Moveo (motus), to move. More, movable, movables, motion, 
motive, promote, remote, remove, rummage,* moment,* mo- 
mentous, momentum,* mob,* emeute,* &c. 

Multus, many. Multifarious, multiped, multiple, multi- 
plicity, multiply, multitude, &c. 

Munus (muneris), a gift, an office. Municipal, munificence, 
munificent, common, commonweal, commonwealth, commune, 
communicate, communicant, communion, community, excom- 
municate, immunity, remunerate, uncommon, uncommunica- 
tive, &c. 

Muto (mutatus), to change. Mutable, mutability, muta- 
tion, mutiny, mutineer, commute, commutable, immutable, 
transmutable, transmutation, &c. 

Nascor (natus), to be born, to spring. Nascent, natal, 
nation, native, nature, cognate, innate, preternatural, rena- 
scent, supernatural, unnatural, naive,* naivete, &c. 

Navis, a ship. Naval, navy, navigable, navigate, naviga- 
tion, circumnavigation, circumnavigator, &c. 



176 LATIN ROOTS. 

Necto (nexus), to bind, to knit. Connect, connection or 
connexion, annex, disconnect, unconnected, &c. 

Nego (negatus), to deny. Negation, negative, renege, 
renegade, * nay, deny, * denial, undeniable, &c. 

Neuter, neither of the two. Neuter, neutral, neutrality, 
neutralize, neutralized, &c. 

Niger, black. Negro, negress, Nigritia, Niger, &c. 

Noceo, to hurt. Nocent, noxious, nuisance,* innocence, 
innocent, innocuous, noise,* annoy,* &c. 

Nomen (nominis), a name. Nomenclature, nominal, nomi- 
nate, nominee, noun,* name, denominate, ignominy, pro- 
nominal, renown,* &c. 

Norma, a rule or square. Normal, abnormous, enormous,* 
enormously, enormity, &c. 

Nosco (notus), to know. Notable, notary, note, notice, 
notify, notion, notorious, * cognizable, precognition, connois- 
seur, recognise, reconnoitre,* noble,* &c. 

Nota, a mark by which a thing can be known. Note, 
notable, notice, notorious, annotate, denote, &c. 

Novus, new. New, news, novel, novelty, novice, novitiate, 
innovate, renew, renewal, renovate, &c. 

Nox (noctis), night. Noctambulist, noctidial, nocturnal 
equinox, equinoctial, pernoctation, &c. 

Nullus, no one, none. Null, nullify, nullified, nullity, 
annul, or disannul, &c. 

Numerus, a number. Number, numerate, numerical, nume- ' 
rous, enumerate, innumerable, supernumerary, &e. 

Nuncius, a messenger : Nuncio, to tell or declare. Nuncio, 
announce, announcement, annunciation, denounce, enunciate, 
pronounce, renounce, &c. 

Nutrio, to nourish. Nutriment, nutrition, nutritious, 
nurse,* nursery, nurture, nourish, nourishment, &c. 

Octo, eight. Octave, octavo, octennial, October. 1 octagon, 
octagonal, octangular, &c. 

Oculus, the eye, a bud. Ocular, oculist, binocle, binocular, 
monocular, inoculate,* inoculator 3 &c. 

1 October. — The Roman year began in March, and hence, 
September, October, November, and December derive their name. 
Before the time of Julius and Augustus Caesar, July and August 
were called QuintUis and Sextllis, that is, the Jffth and sixth 
months. 



LATIN BOOTS. 177 

Omen (ommis), a sign, good or bad. Omen,* ominous 
abominate,* abomination, abominable, &c. 

Omnis, all. Omnium, omnibus, omnific, omnipotence 
omnipotent, omniscience, omnivorous, &c. 

Opto, to wish. Optative, option, optional, adopt, &c. 

Opus (operis), a work. Opera,* operate, 1 operative, opera- 
tor, inoperative, manoeuvre,* manure,* &c. 

Orbis, an orb, a circle. Orb, orbit, exorbitant, &c. 

Ordo (ordinis), order, rank. Ordain,* order, ordinal, ordi- 
nance, ordnance,* ordinary, ordination, disorder, extraordinary 
inordinate, insubordinate, &c. 

Orior (ortus), to rise. Orient, oriental, abortion, abortive 
origin, original, originality, originate, &c. 

Orno (ornatus), to decorate, to adorn. Ornament, orna- 
mental, ornate, adorn, suborn, subornation, &c. 

Oro (oratus), to speak, to pray, to beseech : Os (oris) the 
mouth. Oracle,* oracular, orison,* oral, orator, oratorio 
orifice,* adore, inexorable, peroration, &c. 

Os (ossis), a bone. Osseous, ossify, ossified, ossification 
ossiferous, ossivorous, ossuary, ospray* or ossifrage, &c. 

Ovum, an egg. Oval, ovary, oviparous, &c. 

Palatum, the taste, the palate. Palate, palatable, &c. 

Palma, the palm tree; also, the inner part of the hand. 
Palm,* palmer,* palmetto, palmy, palmistry,* &c. 

Pando (pansus), to open, to spread. Expand, expanse 
expansion, expansive, &c. 

Panis, bread. Panada or panado, pannier,* pantiy, pantler 
appanage,* &c. * 

Par, equal. Par, parity, pair,* peer,* peerage, peerless, 
compare, 2 comparable, comparison, compeer, disparage, 3 dis- 
parity, nonpareil,* paragon,* &c. 

Pareo, to appear. Peer,* appear, apparent, apparition, dis- 
appear, transparency, transparent, &c. 

Pario, to bring forth, to beget. Parent, parental, parentage, 
parturient, oviparous, viviparous, &c. 



1 Operate. — Compare the original meaning of drama with that 
of opera; also the words actor and act. 

2 Compare is from comparo, to make equal with ; to liken to. 

3 Disparage. — To make unequal to ; to injure by comparison 
with something of less value. 

h3 



178 LATIN ROOTS. 

Paro (paratus), to make ready. Parade,* apparatus, apparel, 
prepare, repair, irreparable, pare,* &c. 

Pars (partis), a part, a share. Part, parboil, partake, par- 
tial, participate, particle, particular, partisan, partition, part- 
ner, party, parcel, parse, portion, apart, apartment, bipartite, 
compartment, counterpart, depart, department, departure, 
dispart, impart, impartial, impartiality, proportion, tripartite, 
interpret,* &c. 

Pasco (pastus), to feed. Pastor, pastoral, pasture, pas- 
turage, antepast, repast, pabulum,* &c. 

Passus, a pace or step. Pace, pass, passable, passage, en 
passant, passenger* passover, passport, past, pastime, compass, 
surpass, trespass, passing-bell,* &c. 

Pater, a father. Paternal, paternity, patriarch, patriarchal, 
patrician, patrimony, patrimonial, patristic, patron,* patronage, 
patronize, patronymic, paterfamilias, parricide, Pater-noster, 
pattern,* &c. 

Patior (passus), to suffer. Patience, patient, passion, pas- 
sionate, passive, compassion, compassionate, dispassionate, im- 
patience, impatient, &c. 

Patria, one's country, fatherland. Patriot, patriotism, 
patriotic, compatriot, expatriate, &c. 

Pauper, poor. Pauper, pauperism, poverty, poor, poorly, 
empoverish or impoverish, &c. 

Pax (pacis), peace. Pacify, pacific, pacification, pacificator, 
peace, peaceable, peaceful, appease, &c. 

Pecco (peccatus), to sin. Peccable, peccability, peccadillo, 
peccant, impeccable, impeccability, &c. 

Pello (obsolete), to call or name. Appellation, appellatory, 
appeal, appellant, appellative, repeal, &c. 

Pello (pulsus), to drive, to thrust. Compel, compulsion, 
compulsive, dispel, expel, impel, impulse, propel, pulse,* pulsa- 
tion, repel, repellent, repulse, &c. 

Pendeo, to hang down. Pendant, pendent, pending, pen- 
dulum, pendulous, pennant, pensile, append, appendage, ap- 
pendix, depend, impend, independence, independent, perpen- 
dicular, prepense, propensity, suspend, suspense, vilipend, &c. 

Pendo (pensus), to hang weights, to weigh, to pay. Perpend, 
compensate, dispense,* dispensary, expend, expenditure, ex- 
pense, indispensable, pensive, pension, recompense, unpensioned, 
pansy * &c. 



LATIN ROOTS. 179 

Pehetro, to pierce or enter. Penetrable, penetrability, 
penetrate, penetration, impenetrable, &c. 

Penitet, to repent. Penitence, penitent, penitential, peni- 
tentiary, impenitent, impenitence, repent, repentance, repent- 
ant, unrepenting, &c. 

Perior (perltus), to try. Experiment, experimental, expe- 
rience, expert, inexperience, inexpert, &c. 

Persona, a mask used by players ; a person. Person,* per- 
sonal, personality, personate, personify, impersonal, &c. 

Pes (pedis) the foot. Pedal, pedestal,* pedestrian, pedigree,* 
cap-a-pie, expedient, expedite, impede, biped, quadruped, im- 
peach,* &c. 

Pestis, a plague, pestilence. Pest, pester, pestiferous, pes- 
tilence, pestilent, pestilential, &c. 

Peto (petltus), to seek, to ask. Petition, appetency, appe- 
tite, centripetal, compatible,* compete, competency, competent,* 
impetus, impetuous, repeat, repetition, &c. 

Pilo, to pillage, to pilfer. Pilfer, pilferer, pillage, compile, 1 
compiler, compilation, &c. 

Pingo (pictus), to paint. Paint, Picts, 2 pictorial, picture, 
picturesque, pigment, depict, &c. 

Piscis, a fish. Piscatory, Pisces (the twelfth sign of the 
zodiac), piscine, piscivorous, porpoise,* &e. 

Pius, pious. Piety, pious, impiety, impious, &c. 

Placeo (placitus), to please. Placid, placidity, please, plea- 
sant, complacent, complaisant, displease, &c. 

Placo, to appease. Placable, implacable, &c. 

Plango (planctus) to complain. Plaint, plaintiff, plaintive, 
complain, complainant, complaint, &c. 

Planus, plain, level, evident. Plain, a plain, plain-dealing, 
a plane, to plane, explain, explanatory, plan,* &c. 

Plaudo (plausus), to praise by clapping the hands. Plaudit, 
plausible, applaud, explode, &c. 

Piecto (plexus), to twist, to knit. Complex, complexity, 
complexion, 3 perplex, perplexity, &c. 

1 Compile, to pick out parts or passages from other writers. 

2 Picts ; so called, it is said, from their custom of painting their 
bodies. 

3 Complexion, primarily meant the whole complication or com- 
position of the parts — the general appearance; but it now means 
the hue or colour of the skin. 



180 LATIN BOOTS. 

Plenus, full. Plenary, plenipotentiary, plenitude, plenty, 
plenteous, plentiful, plenum, replenish, &c. 

Pleo (pletus), to fill. Pleonasm, pleonastic, accomplish, 
complement, complete, depletion, expletive, implement,* 
maniple, replete, supplement, supply, &c. 

Plico (plicatus), to fold, to bend. Pliable, pliancy, pliant, 
ply,* pliers,* apply, applicable, complicate, comply, complicity, 
display,* double, duplicate, duplicity, explicit, imply,* impli- 
cated, implicit,* inexplicable, misapply, multiply, quadruple, 
quintuple, reply,* simple, simpleton, simplicity, simplify, sup- 
pliant, supplicate, triple, treble, deploy,* employ,* splice,* &c. 

Ploro (ploratus), to wail, to weep. Deplore, deplorable, 
explore, 1 implore, unexplored, &c. 

Plumbum, lead. Plumb, plumber, plummet, plumbago, 
plunge,* plump,* &c. 

Plus (pluris), more. Plural, pluralist, plurality, pluper- 
fect, overplus, surplus, surplusage, &c. 

Poena, punishment. Penal, penalty, penance, pain, &c. 

Pondus (ponderis), weight. Ponderous, ponder, pound,* 
preponderance, poise,* counterpoise, equipoise, &c. 

Pono (positus), to place or put down. Pose, position, post,* 
postage, postpone, posture, apposite, apposition, apropos, 2 
component, compose, composite, compositor, compost, com- 
posure, compound, decompose, deponent, depose, deposit, de- 
position, depot, dispose, exponent, expose, exposure, expound, 
impose, * impost, impostor, indisposition, interpose, opponent, 
oppose, preposition, proposal, propound, provost,* purpose, 
repose, repository, suppose, transpose, &c. 

Populus, the people. Populace, popular, popularize, popu- 
larity, population, public, publican, publicity, publish, de- 
populate, people, republic, &c. 

Porcus, a hog. Pork, porcine, porcupine, * &e. 

Porto, to bear or carry. For the derivatives of this word 
see page 155, 

Posse, to be able : Potens (potentis), able, powerful. 



1 Explore, to search for earnestly ; properly, with sorrowing 
and tears. 

2 Apropos, that is, to the purpose, seasonably. It is a French 
word, and is pronounced apropo. 



LATIN ROOTS. 181 

Posse, 1 possible, potent, potency, impotent, impotency, poten- 
tate, potential, omnipotence, omnipotent, plenipotentiary, 
puissance,* puissant, &c. 

Post, .after, behind : Posterus, after. Postpone, posterior, 
posterity, postern,* preposterous, &c. 

Postulo, to demand or ask. Postulant, postulate, postu- 
latum, expostulate, expostulation, &c. 

Poto, to drink. Potable, potation, potion, poison,* &e. 

Praeda, prey, plunder. Predatory, depredator, prey.* 

Precor (precatus), to pray or entreat. Precarious, 2 depre- 
cate, deprecation, imprecate, imprecation, pray,* &c. 

Prehendo (prehensus), to take hold of, to seize. Apprehend, 
apprehension, apprehensive, apprentice,* apprize, comprehend, 
comprise, enterprise, impregnable,* imprison, prisoner,* prize,* 
misapprehend, reprehend, reprehension, reprisal, surprise, 
mainprize, &c. 

Premo, to force or press : pressus, forced or pressed. See 
page 155 for the derivatives of this word. 

Pretium, a price, worth. Precious, price, prize,* praise, 
appraise, appreciate, depreciate, &c. 

Primus, first. Prime, primer, primeval, prim,* primitive, 
primogeniture, primrose,* primacy, primate, premier, prior, 
pristine, imprimis, &c. From this root and Capio, come 
prince, principal, principle, principia, &c. 

Privus, one's own, not public. Privacy, private, privateer, 
privilege, privy, deprive, privative, &c. 

Probo (probatus), to prove, to try. Probable, probate, pro- 
bation, probe, probity, proof, prove,* approve, approbation, 
improve, reprobate, reprove, reproof, &c. 

Propago, a shoot or branch, offspring. Propagate, propa- 
gator, propagandism, propagandist, &c. 

Prope, near : Proximus, nearest. Propinquity, proximate, 
proximity, approach,* propitious,* &c. : Propriu% one's own, 
peculiar, fit. Proper,* propriety, proprietor, appropriate, im- 
proper, impropriety, &c. 



1 Posse, as in "posse comitatus" the civil power or force of the 
county, as the constabulary. 

2 Precarious is properly applied to a thing that cannot be ob- 
tained or granted without prayers or entreaties ; and hence, 
depending on the will of another ; uncertain. 



182 LATIN ROOTS. 

Propitio, to appease, to atone. Propitiate, propitiator, pro- 
pitiation, propitious, unpropitious, &c. 

Pugna, the fist. Pugilist, pugnacious, pugnacity, expugn, 
impugn, oppugn, repugnant, &c. 

Pulvis (pulveris), dust. Puiverable, pulverize, pulverin, 
pulvil, powder,* powdery, &c. 

Pungo (punctus), to point or puncture. Pungent, punctual, 
punctilio, punctilious, punctuate, puncture, compunction, ex- 
punge, poignant,* point, poniard,* &c. 

Punio (punltus), to punish. Punish, punishment, punish- 
able, punitive, punition, impunity, &c. 

Purgo (purgutus), to cleanse, to purify. Purge, purgation, 
purgatory, compurgator, expurgated, &c. 

Purus, pure. Pure, pureness, purity, purist, puritan, puri- 
tanical, purify, impure, impurity, &e. 

Puto (putatus), to lop or prune ; also, to think, to compute. 
Putative, amputate,* compute,* depute, deputy, dispute, im- 
pute, imputation, repute, disreputable, count, account, discount, 
recount, &c. 

Putris, rotten. Putrescence, putrescent, putrefy, putrefac- 
tion, putrid, putridity, olla podrida,* (under Oglio.*) 

Quadra, a figure having four sides, a square. Quadrant, 
quadratic, quadrangle, quadrilateral, quadrille,* quadroon, 
quart, quarter,* quartern, quarto, squadron,* squad, square,* 
quarry,* &c. 

Qusero, to seek : (quaesltus), sought. Query, quest, question, 
acquire, acquisition, conquer, conquest, exquisite,* inquest, 
inquire, inquisition, perquisite, require, request, requisite, 
queer,* &c. 

Qualis, of what kind, such. Quality, qualify, qualification, 
disqualify, disqualification, &c. 

Quantus, how great, as much as : Quantum, quantity : 
Quot, how many, so many, or as many as : Quota, quotidian, 
quotient, aliquot, &c. 

Queror, to complain. Querulous, quarrel, &c. 
Quies (quietus), quiet, ease, peace. Quiet, quietus, quiescent, 
acquiesce, inquietude, quit,* quite,* &c. 

Quinque, five. Quinary, quintessence, quintuple, &c. 
Radius, the spoke of a wheel, the semidiameter of a circle, 
a beam or ray of light, Radiate, radiation, radiance, radiancy, 
radiant, ray,* eradiate, irradiate, &c. 



LATIN ROOTS. 183 

Radix (radicis), a root. Radical radically, radish, eradicate, 
race,* racy,* &c. 

Rado (rasus), to shave, to scrape. Rase, raze,* razee, razor,* 
rasher,* abrade, erase, erasion, erasure, &c. 

Ranceo, to be rancid. Rancid, rancidness, rancour, rancor- 
ous, rank, rankness, rankle, &c. 

Rapio (raptus), to snatch or carry away by force. Rape, 
rapacious, rapt,* rapture, rapid, rapine,* ravage,* enrapture, 
ra\-en,* ravenous, &c. 

Earns, rare, thin, scarce. Rare, rareness, rarely, rarefy, 
rarefaction, rarity, raree-show, &c. 

Rego (rectus), to rule or govern ; also, to make straight or 
right. Regent, regency, regimen, regiment,* region,* regnant, 
regular, regulate, correct, corrigible, direct, erect, incorrect, 
incorrigible, misdirect, rectangle, rectify, rectilineal or rec- 
tilinear, rectitude, rector, rectory, right, righteous, upright, 
&c. 

Reor (ratus), to think, to judge. Rate, ratable, ratify, ratio, 
rationale, rational, reason,* overrate, &c. 

Res, a thing. Real, reality, realize, rebus,* &c. 

Rete, a net. Reticle,* reticule, retina, riddle,* &c. 

Rideo (risus), to laugh, to laugh at. Ridicule, ridiculous, 
deride, derision, risible, rally,* &c. 

Rigeo, to be stiff with cold. Rigid, rigidity, rigor, &c. 

Rivus, a stream, a river. River, rivulet, derive,* derivable 
derivation, derivative, rival,* &c. 

Robur (roboris), strength. Robust, corroborate, &c. 

Rodo (rosus), to gnaw. Corrode, corrosion, rostrum.* 

Rogo (rogatus), to ask. Rogation, abrogate,* arrogate, 
arrogant,* derogate, interrogate, prerogative, prorogue, super- 
erogation, surrogate, &c. 

Rota, a wheel. Rotary or rotatory, rotate, rote,* routine, 
rotund, roll, rowel,* reel,* roulette, roue,* &c. 

Ruber, red. Rubicund, rubric,* ruby,* &c. 

Rudis, untaught, rough. Rude, rudiment, erudite, &c. 

Rumpo (ruptus), to break, to burst. Rupture, ruption, 
abrupt, bankrupt,* corrupt, corruptible, disruption, eruption, 
interrupt, irruption, uncorruptible, &c. 

Ruo, to rush, to fall down. Rumour,* ruin, &c. 

Rus (ruris), the country. Rural, rustic, &c. 



184 LATIN ROOTS. 

Sacer, sacred or holy. Sacrament, sacred, sacrifice, sacrilege, 
sacerdotal, sacristan, sacristy, consecrate, desecrate, execrate,* 
execrable, &c. 

Sal, salt. Saltish, saltcellar,* sal-ammoniac, sal-volatile, 
salad,* salary,* salaried, saline, &c. 

Salio (saltns), to leap, to jump. Salient, sally,* salmon,* 
assail, assault, desultory, exult, exultation, consult,* consult- 
ation, insult, result, unassailable, &c. 

Salus (saliitis), safety, health. Salubrity, salubrious, salu- 
tary, salute, salutation, &c. : Salvus, safe. Salve, salvage,* 
salver, salvo, save,* safe, &c. 

Sanctus, made holy, sacred. Sanctify, sanctimony, sanc- 
timonious, sanction, sanctity, sanctuary, saint, &c. 

Sanguis (sanguinis), blood. Sanguinary, sanguine, consan- 
guinity, cousin,* ensanguine, &c. 

Sanus, sound in health. Sanitary, sane, insane, &c: 
Sano, to heal, to cure. Sanatory, sanative, &c. 

Sapio, to savour or taste of, to know, to be wise. Sapience, 
sapient, savour, savoury, insipid, unsavoury, &c. 

Satis, enough. Sate, satiate, satiety, satisfy, satisfaction, 
satisfactory, dissatisfy, insatiable, unsatisfied, &c. 

Scando (scansus), to climb, to mount. Ascend, ascent, 
ascension, descend, descendant, descent, condescend, transcend, 
transcendental, &c. 

Scindo (scissus), to cut. Abscind, rescind, scissors, &c. 

Scio, to know. Science, scientific, sciolist, conscience, 
conscientious, conscious, omniscience, omniscient, prescience, 
prescient, unconscious, &c. 

Scribo (scriptus), to write. Scribe, scribble, scrip, scripture, 
ascribe, circumscribe, conscript, describe, escritoire, inscribe, 
manuscript, nondescript, prescribe, prescriptive, proscribe,* 
proscription, rescript, subscribe, superscribe, transcribe, tran- 
script, &c. 

Seco (sectus), to cut. Secant, sect, sectarian, section, seg- 
ment, bisect, dissect, insect,* intersect, trisect, &c. 

Sedeo (sessus), to sit. Sedentary, sediment, sedulous, 
session, assess, assiduous, assize,* insidious, 1 preside, pre- 
sidency, president, reside, residence, resident, residuum, resi- 

1 Insidious. — PrdpesJly, lying in icaitfor; and hence, treacherous. 



LATIN ROOTS. 185 

duary, subside, subsidize, subsidy, 1 subsidiary, supersede, 
supersedeas, siege,* besiege, size,* &c. 

Semen, seed. Seminal, seminary, disseminate, &c. 

Senex (senis), an old man : Senior, older. Senescence, 
senile, senility, senior, seignior,* senate. 

Sentio (sensus), to think, to feel, to perceive. Sensation, 
sense, sensible, sensibility, sensitive, sensorium, sensual, sen- 
tient, sentence, sententious, sentiment, sentinel,* sentry, assent, 
consent, dissent, dissension, dissentient, nonsense, presenti- 
ment, resent,* resentment, &c. 

Separo (separatus), to separate, to sever. Separate, sepa- 
ration, separable, sever,* several, inseparable, &c. 

Septem, seven. September, septennial, septinsular, &c. 
See under Octo. 

Sequor (secutus), to follow. Sequence, sequent, sequel, 
consecutive, consequence, consequent, ensue, execute,* perse- 
cute, prosecute, pursue, pursuant, pursuit, pursuivant, obse- 
quies,* subsequent, sue,* suit, suitor, suitable, &c. 

Sero (sertus), to connect, to weave, to join in a rank or row. 
Assert, assertion, desert,* desertion, dissertation, insert, series, 
seriatum, sermon,* &c. 

Servio, to be a slave, to serve. Serve, service, servile, ser- 
vitude, serf, deserve, disserve, subservient, desert,* &c. 

Servo (servatus), to keep, to save. Conser've, conserve, 
conservative, observe, preserve, reserve, reservoir,* &c. 

Sex, six. Sexennial, sextant, sextile, &c. 

Signum, a mark, a sign. Sign, signal, signalize, signature 
signet, signify, significance, significancy, significant, assign, 
assignee, assignation, consign, design, designate, insignia, 
resign,* ensign,* &c. 

Silva, a wood. Silvan, Pennsylvania, savage,* &c. 

Similis, like. Simile, similar, simulate, assimilate, dissemble, 
dissimulation, seem,* semblance, fac-simile, &c. 

Singulus, one, single. Single, singular, &c< 

Sinus, a bay, the bosom. Sinuous, sinuosity, insinuate, in- 
sinuation, &c. 

Sisto, to make to stand. Assist, assistance, assistant, 



1 Sit bsidy.— Literally, a sitting finder or near, for the purpose 
of aiding. 



186 LATIN ROOTS. 

consist, consistence, consistency, consistent, desist, irresistible, 
persist, resist, subsist, subsistence, &c. 

Socius, a companion, an associate. Sociable, social, society, 
associate, dissociate, unsocial, &c. 

Sol, the sun. Solar, solstice, solstitial, &c. 

Solidus, firm, solid. Solder,* solid, solidity, consols,* con- 
solidate, consolidated, insolidity, &c. 

Solor (solatus), to comfort, to solace. Solace, console,"* 
consolation, consolatory, disconsolate, inconsolable, uncon- 
soled, &c. 

Solus, alone, single. Sole,* solely, solo, solitary, solitude, 
soliloquy, soliloquize, desolate,* desolation, &c. 

Solvo (solutus), to loose, to free, to melt. Solve, solvent, 
solvable, solution, absolve, absolute, absolution, dissolve, dis- 
solute, dissolution, insoluble, insolvent, irresolute, resolve, 
soluble, unabsolved, undissolved, &c. 

Somnus, sleep. Somnambulist, somnambulism, somnific, 
somniferous, somnolence, somnolent, &c. 

Sonus, a sound. Sonorous, sonnet,* sonneteer, consonant,* 
dissonant, resonant, sound, unison, &c. 

Sorbeo (sorptus), to suck in, to drink up. Absorb, absorb- 
ent, absorbing, absorption, unabsorbed, &c. 

Sors (sortis), lot, sort, kind. Sort,* sortabie, sortie,* assort, 
assortment, consort, resort,* &c. 

Spargo (sparsus), to scatter, to bespatter. Sparse, asperse, 
aspersion, disperse, intersperse, &c. 

Spatium, space. Space, spacious, expatiate, &c. 

Specio (spectus), to see, to look. Species, special, specific, 
specify, specimen, specious, spectacle, spectator, spectre,* 
speculate, spy,* aspect, auspices,* auspicious, circumspect, con- 
spicuous, despicable, despise, despite, especial, espy, inspect, 
irrespective, perspective, perspicuous, prospect, prospectus, 
respect, retrospect, suspect, respite,* spite,* &c. 

Spero (speratus), to hope. Despair, desperate, desperation, 
prosper, prosperity, prosperous, &c. 

Spiro (spiratus), to breathe. Spiracle, spirit, spirited, spiri- 
tual, spirituous, spright or sprite,* aspire, aspirate, aspiration, 
conspire, conspiracy, dispirit, expire, inspire, perspire, respire, 
transpire, unaspiring, &c. 

Splendeo, to shine. Splendid, splendour, &c. 

Spolium, booty, spoil. Spoil, spoliation, despoil, &c. 



LATIN ROOTS. 187 

Spontleo (sponsus), to promise. Sponsor, correspond, des- 
pond,* irresponsible, responsive, spouse,* espouse, &c. 

Sterno (stratus), to spread, to throw down or to lay flat. 
Stratum, strata, street,* stratify, consternation, prostrate, 
substratum, unstratified, &c. 

Stilla, a drop. Still, distil, distillery, instil, &e. 

Stimulus, a goad or spur. Stimulate,* stimulant, &c. 

Stinguo (stinctus), to mark, to distinguish. Distinguish, 
distinguishable, distinct, extinguish, extinct, indistinct, in- 
stinct, stigma,* stigmatize, &c. 

Stipo, to stuff, to cram. Constipate, costive,* &c. 

Sto (status), to stand. Stable, a stable, stability, stamen, 
stamina, stanch,* stanchion, stand, standard, stanza,* status, 
state, statement, statics, station, stationary, stationery, statis- 
tics, statue, statute, stay, staid, stays, stead, steadfast, steady, 
armistice, arrest, circumstance, constable,* constant, constitute, 
constituent, contrast,* destitute, distance, establish, extant, 
instant, instead, institute, interstice,* obstinacy, rest,* restiff * 
or restive, restitution, solstice, substance, stall,* &c 

Stringo (strictus), to bind. Strain, strict, stricture,* astrin- 
gent, constrictor, constrain, constraint, restrain, restraint, 
restrict, restriction, strait, &c. 

Struo (structus), to build. Structure, construe,* construct, 
destroy,* destructible, destructive, instruct, instrument,* in- 
strumental, instrumentality, misconstruction, obstruct, ob- 
struction, substructure, superstruction, &c. 

Studeo, to study. Student, study, studious, &c. 

Stupeo, to be stupid, to be lost in wonder. Stupid, stupidity 
stupor, stupendous, stupefy, stupified, &c. 

Suadeo (suasus), to persuade. Suasion, suasive, dissuade, 
dissuasive, persuade, persuasion, persuasive, &c. 

Sudo, to sweat. Sudorific, exude or exsude, &c. 

Summa, a sum, the whole or highest amount. Sum, * sum- 
mary, summit, consummate, consummation, etc. 

Sumo (sumptus), to take. Assume, assumption, consum- 
able, consume, consumptive, presume, presumptive, presump- 
tuous, resume, unassuming, &c. 

Surgo (surrectus), to rise, to lift up. Surge, insurgent, in- 
surrection, insurrectionary, Resurrection, &c. 

Tabula, a board or plank, a table. Tablature, table, tablet 
tabular, tabulate, tavern * entablature, &e. 



188 LATIN ROOTS. 

Taceo, to be silent. Tacit, taciturn, reticence, &c. 

Tango (tactns), to touch. Tangent, tangible, tact, taction, 
attain, attainment, contact, contagion, contagions, contiguity, 
contingent, contingency, integer, integrant, integral, integrity, 
disintegrate, disintegration, entire, &c. 

Tardus, slow, dilatory. Tardy, retard, tardiness, &c. 

Tego (tectus), to cover. Tegument, tegular, tile,* detect, 
detection, integument, protect, protection, &c. 

Temno (temptus), to despise. Contemn, contempt, &c. 

Tempero, to temper, to mix, to moderate. Temper, tempera- 
ment, temperance, temperate, temperature, attemper, distemper, 
intemperate, tamper, &c. 

Tempus (temporis), time. Temporal, temporalities, tem- 
porary, extemporary, contemporaneous, &c. 

Tendo (tentus or tensus), to stretch, to strive. Tend, ten- 
dency, tender (to offer), tense, tension, tent,* tenter-hook, 
attend, attention, contend, contentious, distend, extend, extent, 
intend, intense, intent, ostensible, ostentation, portend, por- 
tent,* pretend, pretence, subtend, superintend, superinten- 
dent, &c. 

Teneo (tentus), to hold. Tenable, tenacious, tenacity, 
tenant, tenement, tenet,* tenon,* tenor,* tenure, abstain, 
appertain, appurtenance, contain, content, continent, continue, 
countenance, 1 detain, discontent, entertain, impertinent,* lieu- 
tenant, maintain,* obtain, pertain, pertinacious, pertinent, 
^ , retain, retainer, retention, retentive, retinue, sustain, unsus- 

tained, &c. 

Tento, to try, to attempt. Tempt, tempter, temptation, 
tentative, attempt, unattenipted, &c. 

Tenuis, thin, slender. Tenuity, attenuate, attenuated, 
attenuant, extenuate, extenuation, <&e. 

Terminus, a limit or boundary. Terminus, term, termin- 
able, terminate, conterminous, determine, determinate, exter- 
minate, predetermine, terminology, &c. 

Tero (tritus), to wear by rubbing. Trite, triturate, attri- 
tion, contrite, detriment, detrition, detritus, &c. 

Terra, the earth. Terrace,* terrestrial, terrier,* territory, 
inter, disinter, Mediterranean, subterranean, &c. 

1 Countenance (from coniinens), the contents of the face : the 
whole features taken together. 



LATIK BOOTS. 189 

Terreo, to frighten. Terror, terrible, deter, &c. 

Testis, a witness. Test, testament, testamentary, testator, 
testify, testimonial, testimony, attest, contest,* detest,* intes- 
tate, protest, unattested, &c. 

Texo, to weave. Text,* texture, pretext, tissue,* &c. 

Timeo, to fear. Timid, timidity, intimidate, &c. 

Tingo (tinctus), to tinge, to stain. Tinge, tincture, tint, 
taint,* attainder, attaint, mezzotinto,* &c. 

Titulus, a title, an inscription. Title, titular, &c. 

Tolero (toleratus), to bear or suffer. Tolerable, tolerance, 
tolerant, tolerate, toleration, intolerable, &c. 

Torpeo, to be torpid, or void of feeling. Torpedo, torpescent, 
torpid, torpitude, torpidity, torpor, &c. 

Torqueo (tortus), to twist. Tort, torso, tortile, tortoise,* 
torture, torment,* tortuous, contortion, distort, extort, ex- 
tortion, extortioner, retort,* &c, 

Totus, whole, all. Total, factotum, surtout,* &c. 

Trado (traditus), to deliver, to hand down. Tradition, tradi- 
tional, traditionary, traitor,* treason,* &c. 

Traho (tractus), to draw. Trace, traceable, track, tract,* 
tractable, traction, trail, train,* abstract, attract, betray, con- 
tract, contraction, contractor, detract, distract, extract, por- 
trait, portray,* protract, retract, trait, subtract, subtrahend, 
retreat,* tirade,* &c. 

Tremo, to tremble. Tremor, tremulous, tremble, &c. 

Tres, three. Triangle, trident, triennial, Trinity, trio, tri- 
partite, triple, treble, trisect, trivial,* &c. 

Tribuo, to contribute. Tribute, tributary, attribute, con- 
tribution, distribute, retribution, &c. 

Tribus, tribe. Tribe,* tribunal, tribune, &c. 

Tricae, hairs or thread used to ensnare birds. Trick, extri- 
cate, inextricable, intricacy, intricate,* intrigue, tress,* &e. 

Trudo (trusus), to thrust. Abstruse, abstruseness, intrude, 
intrusion, obtrude, obtrusion, obtrusive, protrude, protrusion, 
unobtrusive, &c. 

Tuber, a swelling or bump. Tuber, tubercle, tubercular, 
extuberance, protuberance, protuberant, &c. 

Tueor (tutus), to see, to watch over, to guard, to instruct. 
Tuition, tutelage, tutelary, tutor, intuition, intuitive, un- 
tutored, &c. 



190 LATIN ROOTS. 

Tumeo, to swell. Tumid, tumor, tumulus, tumult, tumultu- 
ous, contumacy, contumacious, contumelious, &c. v 

Tundo (tusus), to beat, to bruise, to blunt. Contusion, 
obtuse, obtuseness, &c. 

Turba, a crowd, a disturbance. Turbid, turbulence, tur- 
bulent, disturb, perturbation, trouble, &c. 

Turgeo, to swell. Turgid, turgidity, turgidness, &c. 

Ultimus, last. Ultimate, ultimatum, penultimate, &c. 

Umbra, a shade. Umbrage, umbrella, sombre,* &c. 

Unda, a wave. Undulate, abound,* abundance, abundant, 
inundate, redound,* redundant, superabound, &c. 

Unguo (unctus), to anoint. Unction, unctuous, &c. 

Unus, one, alone. Union, unique, unison, unit, unite 
unanimity, unicorn, univalve, universe, university, &c. 

Urbs, a city. Urbane,* urbanity, suburbs, &e. 

Urgeo, to press, to force. Urge, urgency, urgent, &c. 

Urina, animal water. Urine, urinal, urinary, &c. 

Uro (ustus), to burn. Adust, combustion, combustible, 
combustive, incombustible, &c. 

Utor (usus), to use. Use, usage, usual, usury,* usurp, 
utensil, utility, utilitarian, inutility, perusal, unusual, abuse, 
disuse, misuse, peruse, &c. 

Vacca, a cow. Vaccine, vaccinate,* vaccination, &c. 

Vaco, to be empty, to be at leisure. Vacancy, vacant, 
vacate, vacation, vacuum, vacuity, evacuate, &c. 

Vado (vasus), to go. Vade-mecum, evade, evasion, invade, 
•^ invasion, pervade, wade,* waddle, &c. 

Vagus, wandering. Vague, vagabond, * vagrant, vagrancy, 
vagary, extravagance, extravagant, &c. 

Valeo, to be well, to be strong. Valediction, valetudinarian, 
valiant, valid, valour,* value, avail, convalescence, counter- 
vail, equivalent, invalid, invalidate, invaluable, prevail, pre- 
valence, unavailable, unavailing, &c. 

Valvae, folding doors. Valve,* valvular, bivalve, &c. 

Vanus, vain, empty. Vain, vanity, vanish, evanescent. 

Vapor, an exhalation, steam. Vapour, evaporate, &c. 

Varius, various, diverse. Vary, variable, variance, varia- 
tion, variegate, variety, various, unvaried, &c. 

Vastus, large, vast. Vast, vastness, vasty : Vasto, to lay 
waste. Devastate, devastation, waste,* &c, 



LATIN ROOTS. 191 

Veho (vectus), to carry. Vehemence, vehement, vehicle, * 
veterinary,* vex,* convex, convey, invective, &c. 

Yello (vulsns), to pull or pluck. Yellicate, convulse, con- 
vulsion, convulsive, divellicate, revulsion, wool, * &c. 

Velo, to cover with a veil; to conceal. Yail, "veil, reveal,* 
revelation, Revelation, unveil, &c. 

Yena, a vein. Vein, venesection, veneer,* &c. 

Yendo, to sell. Yenal, vend, vendible, vent,* &c. 

Venenum, poison. Venom, venomous, envenom, &c. 

VenervT, to venerate. Venerate, venerable, &c. 

Venio (ventus),to come, to arrive. Vent, venture,* advent 
adventitious, adventure, avenue,* circumvent, contravene, 
convene, convenience, convent, conventicle, convention, con- 
ventional, covenant, covin,* event, intervene, invent, invention, 
inventive, inventory,* prevent,* prevention, preventive, re- 
venue, supervene, parvenu,* &c. 

Venor, to hunt. Venary, venation, venison,* &c. 

Venter, the belly. Ventral, ventricle, ventriloquism. 

Yentusthe wind. Ventilate, vent,* ventage, &c. . 

Verbum, a word. Verb, verbal, verbatim, verbiage, ver- 
bose, verbosity, adverb, proverb, proverbial, &c. 

Vereor, to stand in awe of. Verecund, revere, reverence, 
reverend, reverent, reverential, &c. 

Vergo, to tend towards, to verge. Converge, convergence, 
convergent, diverge, divergence, &c. 

Vermis, a worm. Vermicelli,* vermicular, vermifuge, 
vermilion,* vermin, verminous, worm,* &c. 

Yerto (versus), to turn. Versatile, verse, version, vertebre or 
vertebra, vertex, vertical, vertigo, advert, adverse, adversary, 
advertise, animadvert, animadversion, anniversary, avert, aver- 
sion, controvert, convert, convertible, conversant, conversation, 
conversazione, converse, conversion, divert, divers, diverse, 
diversion, diversity, diversify, inadvertent, invert, inverse, 
inversion, malversation, obverse, pervert, perverse, revert, 
reverse, subvert, subversive, tergiversation, 1 transverse, tra- 
verse, universe, universal, university, divorce, vortex, &e. 

Verus, true. Veracity, veracious, verdict,* verify, verisi- 
militude, verity, very, verily, aver, * average, * &c. 

1 Tergiversation, literally a turning of the back upon. From 
tergam, the L-ack, and uerto to turn. 



192 LATIN HOOTS. 

Vestigium, a footstep, a trace. Vestige, investigate, &e. 

Vestis, a garment or robe. Vest, vestment, vestr y,* vesture, 
divest, invest, investment, investiture, &c. 

Vetus (veteris), old. Veteran, inveterate, &c. 

Via, a way. Viaduct, viaticum, deviate, devious, obviate, 
obvious, pervious, previous, trivial,* convoy, voyage,* un- 
deviating, &c. 

Vibro, to oscillate. Vibrate, vibration, vibratory, &c. 

Vicis (vice), a change or turn, instead of. Vice-versa, 
vice-admiral, viceroy, vicegerent, viscount, vicissitude, vicar, * 
vicarial, vicarious, &c. 

Video (visus), to see. Vide, visage,* visard, visible, vision, 
visionary, visit, visor,* visual, adverse, adviee, evidence, 
evident, invidious, envy, provide, providence, provident, pro- 
vidential, provision, provisional, proviso, purvey,* revise, 
revisit, supervision, survey,* vedette,* videlicet (viz.), vis-a- 
vis,* vista, &c. 

Viduus, empty, bereft. Void, avoid, avoidable, devoid, 
widow,* unavoidable. 

Vigil, watchful. Vigils, vigilance, vigilant, revel, &c. 

Vigor, strength, energy. Vigour, vigorous, &c. 

Vilis, of no value ; base. Vile, vilify, villain, * &c. 

Vinco (victus), to conquer. Vincible, victim,* victor, 
victory, vanquish, convince, convict, conviction, evince, evict, 
eviction, province, * provincial, &e. 

Vindico, to revenge. Vengeance, vindicate, vindictive, 
avenge, avenger, revenge, &c. 

Vinum, wine. Vine, vineyard, vintage, * vintner, vinegar, 
vinous, viny, wine,* vignette,* &c. 

Violo, to injure, to violate. Violate, violation, violator, 
violence, violent, inviolable, inviolate, &c. 

Vir, a man. Virile, virility, virago, decemvir, &c. 

Viridis, green. Verdant, verdure, verdigris,* &c. 

Virtus, bravery; any excellent quality. Virtue, virtuous, 
virtual, virtu, virtuoso, &c. 

Virus, noxious juice, poison. Virus, virulent, &c. 

Vitium, vice. Vitiate, vitiated, vice, vicious, &e. 

Vito, to shun, to avoid. Evitable, inevitable, &c. 

Vitrum, glass. Vitreous, vitrify, vitriol, &c. 

Vitupero, to blame, to abuse. Vituperate, &c. 

Vivo (victus), to live- Vivacity, vivacious, viva-voce, 



GREEK ROOTS. 193 

vivary, vivid, vivify, viviparous, viand,* victual, victuals,* 
vital, vitals, vitality, convivial, revive, survive, &c. 

Yoco, to call. Vocal, vocation, vociferate, vociferous, 
advocacy, advocate, avocation, convoke, equivocal, equivocate, 
evoke, invocate, invoke, provoke, revoke, vocabulary, vouch,* 
avouch, vouchsafe, vowel,* &c. 

Volo, to fly. Volatile, volatility, volatilize, volley,* &c. 

Voluptas, sensuality, pleasure. Voluptuary, voluptuous, 
voluptuousness, &c. 

Volvo (volutus), to roll. Voluble, volubility, volume,* 
voluminous, volute, volution, circumvolve, convolve, convol- 
vulus, devolve, evolve, involve, revolve, revolt, valve.* 

Voro, to devour. Voracity, voracious, carnivorous, devour, 
graminivorous, granivorous, omnivorous, &c. 

Voveo (votus), to vow. Vow, votary, vote, votive, avow,* 
devote, devotee, devotion, devotional, devout, &e. 

Vulgus, the common people. Vulgar, vulgarism, vulgarity, 
vulgate, divulge, promulge,* promulgate, &c. 

Vulnus (vulneris), a wound. Vulnerable, invulnerable 
invulnerability, invulnerableness, &c. 



GEEEK ROOTS. 3 



Aer, the air. Aerial, air, airy, aeriform, airiness, aerify, 
aerolite, aeronaut, &c. 

Aggelo (ang-el-lo), to bring tidings. Angel,* angelic, 
evangelist, evangelical, evangelize, &c. 

Ago, to drive or lead. Demagogue, paragoge, 1 &c. 

Agon, a writhing and twisting, as of wrestlers ; a struggle, 
a contest. Agony, antagonist, antagonistic, &c. 

Agora, a place for public assemblies ; an oration. Allegory, 
allegorical, category, categorical, panegyric, &c. 

Akouo, to hear. Acoustics, diacoustics, otacoustic. 

Alios, another. Allegory, allegorical, parallel, &c. 

Anemos, the wind. Anemone', anemometer, &c. 

1 For the pronunciation of Greek words, see note 3 , page 152. 

I 



194 GREEK ROOTS. 

Anthropos, a man. Misanthropy, philanthropy, &c. 

Archaios, ancient. Archaeology, archaic, archives, &c. 

Arche, 1 the beginning ; government. Archetype, anarchy, 
hierarchy, monarch, oligarchy, patriarch, tetrarch. 

Aristos, the best, the noblest. Aristocracy, aristocrat. 

Arithmos, number. Arithmetic, logarithms, &c. 

Astron, a star. Astral, astrology, astronomy, asterisk. 

Aulos, a pipe. Hydraulic, hydraulics, &c. 

Autos, one's self. Autobiography, autocrat, autograph, 
automaton, autopsy, &c. 

Ballo, to cast. Bolt, bolus, emblem,* emblematic, hyper- 
bole, parable, parabola, problem,* symbol, &c. 

Balsanion, balm. Balsam, balsamic, balm, embalm, &c. 

Bapto or Baptizo, to dip, to baptize. Baptize, &c. 

Baros, weight. Barometer, barytes, barytone, &c. 

Basis, the foot ; the lowest part, the foundation. Base, 
basement, baseness, bass, debase, surbase, &c. 

Biblos, a book. Bible, biblical, bibliographer, bibliopole or 
bibliopolist, bibliomania, bibliotheke, &c. 

Bios, life. Biography, amphibious, autobiography, &c. 

Botane, an herb. Botany, botanic, botanist, &c. 

Bronchos, the windpipe. Bronchial, bronchitis, &c. 

Character, a mark. Character, characteristic, &c. 

Charis (charitos), love, grace. Charity, eucharist, &c. 

Cheir, the hand. Chirurgeon* or surgeon, chiragra, &c. 

Chole', bile, anger. Choler, choleric, melancholy, &c. 

Chorda, a gut, a string. Chord, cord,* cordon, &c. 

Christos, anointed. Christ, Christian, Christianity, Christ- 
mas, chrism, unchristian, &c. 

Chronos, time. Chronic, chronicle,* chronology, &c. 

Chrusos, gold. Chrysalis, chrysohte, &c. 

Chulos, chyle. Chylous, chylaceous, &c. 

Chumos, juice (from cheo, to melt or pour). Chynie, che- 
mistry, chemist, chemical, alchymy, &c. 

Dahnon, a spirit, a demon. Demoniac, pandemonium. 

Damao, to tame, to subdue. Adamant, diamond,* &c. 



i Archi, — As a guide to the pronunciation, the ejinalis marked 
s hort, though it is long in the original (??). See note s, p. 152. 



GREEK ROOTS. 195 

Deca, ten. Decade, decagon, decalogue, &c. 

Demos, the people. Demagogue, democracy, democrat, 
democratic, endemic, epidemic, &c. 

Dendron, a tree or shrub. Dendrite, dendrolite, &c. 

Despotes, a master, a tyrant. Despot, despotism, &c. 

Diaita, food, regimen. Diet,* dietary, dietetic, &c. 

Diploma (literally a duplicate), a letter or writing conferring 
some privilege. Diploma, diplomacy, &c. 

Dis, di, twice. Dilemma, diphthong, dimeter, &c. 

Dogma, an opinion. Dogma, dogmatic, &c. ; Doxa, an 
opinion, belief. Heterodox, orthodox, paradox, &c. 

Dotos, given. Dotal, dose,* anecdote,* antidote, &c. 

Drama, a play. Drama,* dramatic, dramatist, &c. 

Dromos, a race-course. Dromedary, hippodrome, &c. 

Drus, an oak. Druid, druidical or druidic, dryad, &c. 

Dun amis, power, force. Dynamics, dynamic, dynasty. 

Dus, ill, difficult. Dysentery, dyspepsy, &c. 

Ecclesia, the church. Ecclesiastic, ecclesiastical. 

Echeo, to sound, to echo. Echo, catechise, &c. 

Eido, to see : Eidos, a form, figure, or likeness. Idol, 
idolater, idolize, idea, cycloid, asteroid, spheroid, &c. 

Elao (elaso), to drive, to impel. Elastic, elasticity, &c. 

Electron, amber. Electric, electricity, &c. 

Eleemosyne, pity. Eleemosynary, alms,* &c. 

Emeo, to vomit. Emetic, emetical, &c. 

Epos, a word. Epic, orthoepy, orthoepist, &c. 

Eremos, desert, solitary. Eremite, hermit,* &c. 

Ergon, a work. Chirurgeon* (surgeon), energy, &c. 

Ethnos, a nation. Ethnic, ethnical, heathen,* &c. 

Ethos, custom, manners. Ethics, ethic, ethical, &c. 

Etumos, true. Etymon, etymology, etymological, &c. 

Eu, well. Eucharist, eulogy, euphony, evangelist, &c. 

Gameo, to marry. Amalgam, amalgamate, bigamy, &c. 

G aster, the stomach. Gastric, gastronomy, &c. 

Ge, the earth. Geography, geology, geometry, &c. 

Genea, a race, a descent : Genos, genus, kin. Genealogy, 
Genesis, heterogeneous, homogeneous, hydrogen. 

Glotta or glossa, the tongue. Polyglot, gloss, glossary. 

Glupho, to carve or engrave. Glyph, hieroglyphics, &c. 

Gonia, a corner, an angle. Diagonal, hexagon, &c. 

Grapho, to write. Graphic, autograph, biography, geo- 

i2 



196 GREEK ROOTS. 

graphy, hydrography, lithography, orthography, paragraph, 
stenography, telegraph, topography, typography, &c. : Gram- 
ma, a letter. Grammar, anagram,* diagram, epigram, paral- 
lelogram, programme, telegram, &c. 

Gune, a woman. Gynarchy, gyneocracy, misogynist. 

Gyrus, a ring, a circle. Gyration, veer,* environ,* &c. 

Haima, blood. Hematite, hemorrhage, &c. 

Haireo, to take, to take up an opinion. Heresy, heretic 
aphreresis, diaeresis, synseresis, &c. 

Hebdomas, a week. Hebdomadal, &c. 

Hecaton, a hundred. Hecatomb, &c. 

Hedra, a seat, a chair. Cathedral, chair,* &c. 

Helios, the sun. Heliacal, aphelion, &c. 

Hemera, a day. Ephemera, ephemeral, ephemeris, &c. 

Hemisus, half. Hemi, hemicrany, megrim,* &c. 

Hepta, seven. Heptagon, heptachord, heptarchy, &c. 

Heros, a hero. Hero, heroine, heroic, heroism, &c. 

Heteros, another. Heterodox, heterogeneous, &c. 

Hex, six. Hexagon, hexameter, &c. 

Hieros, sacred. Hierarch, hierarchy, hieroglyphic, &e. 

Hippos, a horse. Hippopotamus, hippodrome, &c. 

Holos, the whole. Catholicon, &c. 

Homos, like. Homogeneal, homologous, &c. 

Hora, an hour. Horary, horologe, horoscope, &c. 

Horos, a boundary. Horizon, horizontal, aphorism, &c. 

Hudor, water. Hydraulics, hydrogen, hydrophobia, hy- 
drostatics, dropsy,* hydrodynamics, water,* &c. 

Hugros, moist. Hygrometer, hygroscope, &c. 

Humen, the god of marriage. Hymen, hymeneal, &c. 

Humnos, a sacred song. Hymnic, hymn, anthem, &c. 

Ichnos, a footstep, a track. Ichneumon,* ichnography. 

Ichthus, a fish. Ichthyology, ichthyophagist, &c. 

Idea, a mental image. See Eido. 

Idios, peculiar. Idiom, idiosyncrasy, idiot, &c. 

Idolon, an image or idol. See under Eido. 

Ikon, an image or picture. Icon, iconoclast, &c. 
" Isos, equal. Isosceles, isothermal, ice,* &c. 

Kaio (kauso), to burn. Caustic, cauterize, &c. 

Kakos, bad. Cacodemon, cacoethes, &c. 

Kalos, beautiful. Caligraphy, kaleidoscope, &c. 

Kalupto (kalupso), to cover, to conceal. Apocalypse. 



GREEK ROOTS. 197 

Kanon, a rule. Canon, canonical, canonize, &c. 

Kathairo, to cleanse. Cathartic, cathartical, &c. 

Kentron, a goad, a point, the centre. Centre, centrical, 
cento,* &c. See Centrum, page 161. 

Kephale, the head. Cephalic, hydrocephalus, &c. 

Keras, a horn. Cerastes, monocerouSj rhinoceros, &c. 

Kleros, a lot. Cleric, clergy, clerk, * &c. 

Klimax, a ladder ; a gradual ascent or rising. Climax, 
climacteric, anticlimax, climate, &c. 

Klino, to bend, to incline. Clinic, clinical, &c. 

Koinos, common. Cenobite, cenobitical, epicene, &c. 

Kolon, a limb, a member, a stop ; also, the largest of the 
intestines. Colon, colic, &c. 

Komos, a jovial meeting. Comic, comical, comedy, &c. 

Konos, a cone. Conic, conical, &c. 

KoptOj to cut. Apocope, syncope, chop, &c. 

Kosmos, order, ornament ; also, the world. Cosmetic, cos- 
mogony, cosmopolitan, cosmorama, &c. 

Kr anion, the skull. Cranium, craniology, megrim,* &c. 

Krasis, temperament, constitution. See under Tdios. 

Kratos, power. Aristocracy, democracy, theocracy, &c. 

Krino, to sift or separate; to judge: Rrites, a judge, a 
critic. Critic, critical, criticise, criticism, critique, criterion, 
hypercritical, crisis,* hypocrisy, &c. 

Krupto, to hide. Crypt cryptogamic, apocrypha, &c. 

Kuklos, a circle. Cycle, Cyclops, encyclopedia, &c. 

Kulindros, a roller. Cylinder, cylindrical, &c. 

Kuon, a dog. Cynic, cynical, cynosure, 1 &c. 

Lambo (or Lambano), to take. Astrolabe, syllable, &c. 

Laos, the people. Lay, laity, laic, layman, &c. 

Latria, service, worship. Idolater, idolatry, &c. 

Lego (lexo), to say ; to read ; to gather or select. Lexicon, 
dialect, dialectics, eclectic, eclogue, * &c. See Logos. 

Leipo (leipso), to leave out. Eclipse, 2 ellipsis, &c. 



1 Cynosure. — See the " Dictionary of Derivations," page 268. 

2 Eclipse means a leaving out or deficiency, as of light ; and 
Ellipse is another form of the same word. In making an ellipse, 
we leave out, as it were, a part of the radius, not giving the full 
sweep of the compasses, as in a circle. An elliptical orbit and 
an elliptical sentence have each something left out. 



198 GREEK ROOTS. 

Lethe, forgetfulness, death. Lethe, lethargy, &c. 

Lithos, a stone. Lithography, lithotomy, aerolite, &c. 

Logos, a word, a discourse, reason, science. Logic, loga- 
rithm, logomachy, analogy, anthology, apology, astrology, 
chronology, demonology, doxology, etymology, genealogy, 
geology, meteorology, mineralogy, mythology, ornithology, 
osteology, pathology, philology, phrenology, physiology, tau- 
tology, theology, zoology, apologue, catalogue, decalogue, 
dialogue, epilogue, prologue, &c. 

Luo (luso), to loose. Analyse, analysis, analytic, analy- 
tical, paralysis, paralyse, palsy,* &c. 

Mache, a battle Logomachy, sciomachy, &c. 

Mania, madness. Mania, maniac, bibliomania, &c. 

Manteia, prophecy, divination. Necromancy, &c. 

Martur, a witness, a martyr. Martyr, martyrdom, &c. 

Mathema, learning. Mathematics, mathematician, &c. 

Mechanao, to contrive, to invent. Mechanics, mechanic, 
machine,* mechanism, &c. 

Melas (melan), black. Melancholy, &c. See Ckole. 

Melos, a sweet sound, a tune, song. Melody, melodious, 
melodrama, philomel, &c. See Ode. 

Metallon, a metal. Metal,* metallurgy, metalloid, &c. 

Meteor a, luminous bodies in the air or sky. Meteor 
meteoric, meteorology, meteorological, &c. 

Meter, a mother. Metropolis,* metropolitan, &c. 

Metron, a measure. Meter, metre, metrical, barometer, 
chronometer, diameter, gasometer, geometry, micrometer, 
symmetry, thermometer, trigonometry, &c. 

Mikros, small. Microcosm, microscope, omikron, &c. 

Mimos, an imitator, a buffoon. Mimic, pantomime, &c. 

Misos, hatred. Misanthropy, misogamist, &c. 

Mneo (mnao, mneso), to remind, to remember. Mnemonics, 
mnemonic, amnesty, &c. 

Monos, alone. Monk,* monarch, monody, monogamist, 
monopoly, monastery, monotony, &c. 

Morphe, shape, form. Metamorphose, amorphous, &c. 

Muthos, a word, a fable. Myth, mythology, &c. 

Murios, ten thousand. Myriad, myriagrarame, &c. 

Naus, a ship : nautes, a sailor. Nausea,* nauseate, nauti- 
cal, nautilus, aeronaut, Argonauts, &c. 

Nekros, dead. Necropolis, &c. See Manteia. 



GREEK ROOTS. 199 

Neos, new. Neology, neophyte, Naples, new,* &c. 
Nesos, an island. Chersonesus, Peloponnesus, &c. 
Neuron, a nerve. Neuralgia, nerve, enervate, &c. 
Nomos, a law. Deuteronomy, astronomy, &c. 
Nosos, a disease. Nosology, nosological, &c. 
Ode, a song. Ode, palinode, comedy, melody, monody, 
parody, prosody, psalmody, rhapsody, &c. 

Odos, a way. Episode, Exodus, method,* period, periodi- 
cal, periodic, synod, &c. 

Oikos, a house. Economy, diocese, parish, * &c. 
Oligos, few. Oligarchy, oligarchical, &c. 
Omalos, like, regular. Anomalous, anomaly, &c. 
Onoma, a name. Anonymous, synonymous, &c. 
Optomai, to see. Optic, optics, synopsis, dropsy,* &c. 
Orama, the thing seen, a sight. Cosmorama, diorama, 
dioramic, panorama, panoramic, &c. 

Organon, an instrument. Organ, organic, organize, &c. 
Orkos, an oath. Exorcise, exorcism, &c. 
Ornis (ornlthos), a bird. Ornithology, &c. 
Orphanos, bereft of parents. Orphan, orphanage, &c. 
Orthos, straight, right. Orthodox, orthography, &c. 
Osteon, a bone. Osteology, periosteum, &c. 
Ostrakon, a shell. Ostracism, oyster,* &c. 
Ouranos, heaven. Uranus, ouranography, &c. 
Oxus, sharp, acid. Oxalic, oxyde, paroxysm, &c. 
Pais (paidos), a boy : Paideia, instruction. Pedagogue, 
pedagogy, cyclopredia, &c. See Ago. 

Palaios, ancient, old. Paleography, paleology, paleonto- 
logy, paleosaurus, paleotherium, &c. 

Papas, a father. Papa, papal, papacy, Pope, &c. 
Pas (pantos), all. Panacea,* pandect, panegyric, panoply, 
panorama, pantheon, pantomime, &c. 

Pascha, the passover. Paschal, pasque-flower, &c. 
Pateo, to tread, to walk about. Peripatetic, patrol, &c. 
Pathos, feeling. Pathetic, apathy, antipathy, &c. 
Peptos, cooked, digested. Dyspepsy, &c. See Dus. 
Petalon, a leaf. Petal, apetalous, bipetalous, &c. 
Petra, a rock. Peter, saltpetre, petrify, &c. 
Phago, to eat. Anthropophagi, sarcophagus,* &c. 
Phaino, to shine, to appear. Phantasm,* fancy,* fantasy, 
fantastic, phase, epiphany, &c. 



200 GREEK ROOTS. 

Pharmakon, a drug. Pharmacy, pharmacopoeia, &c. 
Phemi, to say, to speak. Blaspheme, blasphemy, emphasis, 
emphatic, prophet, euphemism, &c. 

Phero, to carry. Metaphor, paraphernalia,* &c. 
Philos, one who loves. Philanthropy, philanthropic, phil- 
ology, philosophy, Philadelphia, &c. 

Phone, voice. Phonic, euphony, symphony, &c. 
Phos (photos), light. Phosphorus, phosphoric, phosphuret, 
photogenic, photography, photograph, &c. 

Phrasis, a phrase, a saying. Phrase, antiphrasis, meta- 
phrase, paraphrase, periphrase, &c. 

Phren, the mind. Phrenetic, phrenology, frantic, &c. 
Phthongos, a sound. Diphthong, triphthong, &c. 
Phullon, a leaf. Aphyllous, monophyllous, &c. 
Phusis, nature. Physic, physics, metaphysics, &c. 
Phuton, a plant. Zoophyte, neophyte, &c. 
Plane, wandering. Planet, planetary, &c. 
Plasso, to form in clay. Plastic, plaster, &c. 
Pleo, to fill. Pleonastic, pleonastical, pleonasm, &c. Pie 
thos, fulness. Plethora, plethoric, &c. 

Plesso (plexo), to strike. Apoplexy, apoplectic, &c. 
Pneuma (pneumatos), air, breath. Pneumatics, &c. 

Poieo, to make. Poem, poet, onomatopoeia, &c. 
Polemos, war. Polemics, polemical, &c. 

Poleo, to sell. Monopoly,* bibliopolist, &c. 

Polis, a city. Police,* policy, politics,* metropolis,* Acro- 
polis, Heliopolis, Adrianople, Constantinople, &c. 

Polus, many. Polyanthus, polyglot, Polynesia, &c. 

Pompa, a grand procession. Pomp, pompous, &c. 

Poros, a pore, a passage. Pore, porous, emporium, &c. 

Potamos, a river. Hippopotamus, Mesopotamia. 

Pous (podos), a foot. Antipodes, polypus, tripod, &c. 

Praktos, done : prasso, to do. Practise, practice, prag- 
matic,* praxis, impracticable, &c. 

Presbuteros, elder. Presbyter, presbytery, presbyterian, 
presbyterianism, priest,* &c. 

Protos, first. Protocol,* protomartyr, prototype, &c. 

Psallo, to sing, to play. Psalm, psalter, &c. 

Pseudos, false. Pseudograph, pseudo-prophet, &c. 

Ptoma, a fall. Symptom,* symptomatic, &c. 

Par, fire. Pyre,* pyramid, pyrites, empyrean &c. 



CHEEK HOOTS. 201 

Rhapto (rhapso), to sew or stitch together. Rhapsody. 

Rheo, to flow. Rhetoric, rheum, rheumy, rheumatism, 
catarrh, diarrhoea, hemorrhage, &c. 

Rhodon, a rose. Rhododendron. See Dendron. 

Rhombos, a whirling motion; a rhomb. Rhomb, &c. 

Ruthmos, measured time, harmony. Rhythm, rhyme. 

Sarx, flesh. Sarcasm, sarcastic, sarcophagus,* &c. 

Sauros, a lizard. Sauroid, ichthyosaurus, plesiosaunts, 
megalosaurus, geosaurus, hylaeosaurus, &c. 

Schema, a plan, a design. Scheme, schemer, &c. 

Schisma, a division. Schism, schist, schistous, &c. 

Sitos, corn, bread. Parasite,* parasitic, &c. 

Skandalon, a stumbling-block, offence, disgrace. Scandal 
scandalous, scandalize, &c. 

Skene, a tent, the stage. Scene, scenic, scenery, &c. 

Skeptomai, to consider, to doubt. Sceptic, sceptical. 

Skia, a shadow. Antiscii, ascii, sciomachy, &c. 

Skopeo, to view. Scope, kaleidoscope, microscope, telescope, 
episcopacy, bishop,* &c. 

Sophia, wisdom. Sophist, sophistry, philosophy, &c. 

Spao, to draw: spasma, a drawing or contraction. Spasm, 
spasmodic, antispasmodic, &c. 

Sperma, seed : speiro, to sow. Sperm, spermatic, sperma- 
ceti,* sporadic, spore or sporule, &c. 

Sphaira, a globe. Sphere, spheroid, atmosphere, &c. 

Splen, the milt or spleen. Spleen, splenetic, &c. 

Spongia, a sponge. Sponge, spongiole, spongy, &c. 

Stenos, short, narrow. Stenography, &c. 

Stasis, a standing. Statics, statistics, apostasy, apostate 
ecstasy, hydrostatics, system, &c. 

Stello, to send. Apostle, epistle, peristaltic, &c. 

Stereos, firm, solid. Stereography, stereotype, &c. 

Stichos, a rank, a line, a verse. Acrostic, * distich. * 

Stigma, a brand or mark of infamy. Stigma,* stigmatic, 
stigmatize, stimulus,* &c. 

Stoa, a porch. Stoic, 1 stoical, stoicism, &c. 



1 Zeno, the founder of the Stole philosophy, taught in a porch 
in Athens. Hence the name. 

i3 



202 GREEK ROOTS. 

Stoma, the stomach, the mouth. Stomach, stomachic. 

Stratos, an army. Stratagem, stratocracy, &c. 

Strophe, a turning. Apostrophe, catastrophe, &c. 

Stulos, a pillar or column ; a style or sharp-pointed instru- 
ment for writing with. Style,* stiletto, &c. 

Taphos, a tomb. Epitaph, cenotaph, &c. 

Tasso (taxo), to put in order, to arrange. Tactics, tactician, 
syntax, syntactical, &c. 

Tautos, the same. Tautology, tautophony, &c. 

Techne, an art. Technical, technology, polytechnic 
Tecton, an artist, a builder. Architect, &c. 

Tele, afar. Telegram, telegraph, telescope, &c. 

Temno, to cut. See under Tome. 

Thauma, a wonder. Thaumaturgy, &c. See Ergon. 

Theaomai, to see. Theorem, 1 theory, theoretical, theorist, 
&c. : Theatron, a theatre. Theatre, theatrical, &c. 

Theke, a place where any thing is deposited, a store. 
Apothecary, bibliotheke, bibliothecal, &c. 

Theos, God. Theocracy, theology, theologian, theological, 
apotheosis, atheism, atheist, atheistical, pantheist, pantheon, 
polytheism, Theophilus, Timotheus, &c. 

Therion, a wild beast. Dinotherium, megatherium, paleo- 
therium, &c. See Palaios. 

Therme, heat. Thermometer, thermal, isothermal, isotherm, 
Thermopylae, 2 &c. 

Thronos, a seat. Throne, dethrone, enthronement, &c. 

Tithemi, to put or place : Thesis, a placing. Theme, thesis. 
anathema, antithesis, epenthesis, epithet, hypothesis, meta- 
thesis, nomothetic, parenthesis, synthesis, &c. 

Tome, a cutting, a section, a division. Tome, atom, 
anatomy, epitome, lithotomy, phlebotomy, &c. 

Tonos, tension or stretching, a tone or sound.- Tone, tonic, 
tune, barytone, monotone, semitone, &c. 

Topos, a place. Topic, topical, topically, topography, 
topographical, topographer, Utopian,* &c. 



i Theorem. — See the " Dictionary of Derivations," page 272. 

2 Thermopylce. — From this root, and pyle, a gate or pass — in 
allusion to the Iwt springs near it. Our word ivarm is evidently 
from the same root (therme). 



GREEK ROOTS." 203 

Tragos, a goat. 1 Tragedy, tragedian, tragic, &c. 

Trapeza, a table, a quadrilateral figure. Trapezium, trape- 
zoid, trapezoidal, &c. 

Tropos, a turning. Trope, tropic, heliotrope, &c. 

Tupos, an impression, a mark, a type. Type, typical, 
typify, typography, prototype, stereotype, &c. 
" Turannos, a ruler, a king, a despot. Tyrant, tyrannical, 
tyrannous, tyranny, tyrannize, &c. 

Xulon, wood. Xylography, xylographic, &c. 

Zelos, ardour, zeal. Zeal, zealous, zealot, &c. 

Zoon, an animal. Zodiac, zodiacal, zoology, zoological, 
zoologist, zootomy, zoophyte, &c. 



ANGLO-SAXON ROOTS. 

Generally speaking, English words which are not de- 
rived from Latin or Greek, are from Anglo-Saxon 
Roots. But as few of these Roots have more than one 
or two derivatives in English, it is obvious that young 
persons would gain little or nothing by learning them. 
With Latin and Greek Roots it is quite different ; for, 
by learning them the pupil will, without any additional 
trouble, become acquainted, at least in a general way, 
with whole families of words. In fact, it may be said 
that a young person who learns Anglo-Saxon Roots, 
fishes with a hook, and draws in at most but one word 
at a time ; but in learning Latin and Greek Roots, he 
uses a net, and at one cast draws in a whole multitude 
of words. Hence it is not thought necessary to insert 
here a collection of Anglo-Saxon Roots ; but should 
the teacher wish to make use of them, he will find in 
the Author's "Manual of Etymology," page 126, a 
list of all those which have more than two or three 
derivatives in our language. 

1 Tragos. — From this root, and ode, a song, tragedy is derived, 
which originally meant a feast in honor of Bacchus, at which a 
goat was sacrificed with singing and dancing. 



204 
CELTIC AND ANGLO-SAXON ROOTS, 

PRINCIPALLY THOSE FROM WHICH THE NAMES OF PLACES 
IN GREAT BRITAIN AND IRELAND ARE DERIVED. 

[In the Author's Dictionary of Derivations, under the head of 
44 Geographical Etymologies," these roots, and the names of the 
places derived from them, are more fully explained.] 



CELTIC KOOTS. 

Aber, the mouth of a river ; as Aberdeen, Abergavenny, Loclr 
aber, &c. See Inver. 

Agh, a field ; as Ardagh, 1 Claragh, &c. 

Alp, high ; as " the Alps" and Slieve-J^ ( m Mayo). 

Ard, high ; a height, a promontory ; as Ardagh, Ardfert, Ard- 
glass, Ardmore, &c. 

Aih, a ford ; as in Athboy, Athemy, Aihlone, ^iftleague, 
A thy. See Augli. 

Auchter, the summit or top of the height ; as ^4. wc^er arder, 
and Oughterard. 

Augh, a corruption of aih ; as Aughnacloy, Aughmore, &c. 

Avon, water, a river ; as the Avons in England, &c. 

JBaan, white ; as Kenbaan, Strabane, &e. 

Bal, Ball, Bally, a townland, a township, a village, a town; 
as Itoflbriggan, ito^inakill, Ballymore, &c. 

Beg, small or little ; as Drum&e^, Ennis&e#, &c. 

Bel, the mouth of the ford, or the entrance of a river ; as Bel- 
fast, ifefaiullet, Z?efturbet, &c. 

Ben, Pen, a mountain, a promontory, or headland ; as Ben- 
gore, Benmore, Percmaenmaur, &c. 

Blair, a plain cleared of woods ; as Blairis Moor, Bhir athol, 
Ardblair. 

Borris, Burris, the Irish form of burgess or borough ; as Borris- 
in-Ossory, itornsokane, ifomsoleigh. 

Boy, yellow ; as i%anagh, Athboy, B awn boy, Claneboy. 

Brough, a fort or enclosure of earth, like Lis and Rath. (The 
old Irish form was brugh, which is evidently from Burgh, 
by metathesis.) 

i Ardagh, that is, the high field. The full explanation of all the 
words which follow will be found in the " Dictionary of Deriva- 
tions." 



efttMc ttocyrs. 205 

Bun, the mouth or end of a river; as I&mcrana, J5widoran, 

I?zmduff, iftmratty. 
Car, Caer, Cahir, a fort ; as Carlisle, Carnarvon, Cahir, Cahir- 

civeen. 
Cairn, Cam, a conical heap of stones, generally monumental ; 

also a mountain, properly one with a cairn on the top ; as 

Cairngaver, Cairngorm. 
Cam, crooked, bending; as Camlough, Camolin, Cambusken- 

neth, Cambusmore. 
Clar, a board, a table, a level; as Clare, Claragh, Clara, 

'Ballyclare, &c. 
Clon, a lawn, a meadow, a plain ; as Clonard, Clones, Clongovres, 

Clonmel, Clontari, &c. 
Clough, Clogh, a stone, a stone house, a strong or fortified 

house; as CVow^/i Jordan, Cloghan, Clogheen, Cloghnakilty, 

Clogher. 
Craig, Carrich, a rock, a rocky place, a craggy or rocky hill ; 

as the Craig of Ailsa, Craiaengower, Carried- a- rede, Car- 

richlergws, Bally craigy, &c. 
Croom, Cram, crooked, or bending; as Croom, Macroom, 

Crwmlin. 
Cut, the back or hinder part, a recess, an angle or corner ; as 

Cultra, Culmore, Culross, Coleraine. 
Berry, Dare, the oak, an oak wood ; as Ballincferr?/, Lonclon- 

derry, Kildare, &c. 
JDhu, black; as Airddhu, Dhuisk, Roderick-D/m, Douglass, 

Dublin, Annaduff, &c. 
Drum, a ridge, a back, a hill, as Drumbo, Drumbeg, Dromore, 

Dundrum, &c. 
Dun, a fort, a fort on a hill, a hill, a fortified residence, a place 

of abode, a town. Hence Dunbar, Dunblane, Dundalk, 

Dungannon, Dunmore, Dw^keld, Dw?ibarton, Dowwpatrick, 

Clifton Downs, Clarenc&w, Croy^ow, Chateaudon, &c. 
Fer, a man ; as .Fermanagh, Fermoy, Fermoyle, &c. 
Fin, white, fair ; as jFmtona, Finvoy, &c. 
Gall, a stranger or foreigner. This term seems to imply west 

or western; as in Gael, Gaul, Galway, Galloway, Wales 

(Pay de Galles), Cornwall, &c. 
Inis, Innis, Ennis, Inch, an island, a place nearly or occasion- 
ally surrounded by water ; as Ennis, Ennismore, Ennisbeg, 

Innishowen, Inch, Inchheg, Inchmore, Inchkeith, Bal- 

Mnahinch, Killinchy, Ynysmoek, &c. 



206 CELTIC AND ANGLO-SAXON ROOTS. 

Inver, the mouth of a river ; as Inver, Invermore, Inverness 
J&ossinver. Compare Aher. 

Ken, Kin, the head, a headland or cape ; as iTemnore, jSTewmare, 
Kinross, Kinsale, Cantyre, &c. 

Kill, a cell, a cloister, a church, a church-yard, or burying- 
place; as iftTkenny, ZiZpatrick, jK^7bride, Kilmore, Kil- 
marnock, &c. Kill also means (coille) a wood, in many of 
the names in which it occurs. (Thus, BallinafoYZ might be 
the town of the church, or of the wood.") 

Knoc, a hill ; as the Knock, Zwoc&breda, Knockca,im, KnocMuff, 
KnocJcroe, &c. 

Lin, Lyn, & deep pool, particularly one formed below a water- 
fall ; as C&molin, Crum?m, Dublin, Roslin, J,ynn-Hegis or 
King's -Lynn, Chateau/m, &c. 

Magh, a plain ; as Maghera,, Maghersiheg, MagheY&more, Magh- 
eralin, Maeroom, Maywooth, &c. 

Money, a shrubbery, a brake ; as Moneybag, Moneymove, 
Ballymoney, Carnmoney, &c. 

Mor, More, great; as .Morecairn, Arranwore, Ballyraore, Ben- 
more, Dunmore, Strathmore, Penmaenmawr, &"c. 

Moy, another form of magh, a plain ; as Ji/oz/cullen, Jl/b?/cashel, 
Moyn&lty, &c. 

Mull, a bald or bare head, a bare headland ; as the Mull of 
Cantyre, the Mull of Galloway, &c. 

Mullen, a mill; as Mulling&r, Mulintr&, &c. 

Rath, an earthen fort or mound ; as Rathbeg, Rathmore. 

Ros, Ross, a promontory or peninsula ; as Ross, the Rosses 
Rossbeg, Rossmore, Kinross, Muckross, Melrose, &c. 

Sleive, a mountain ; as /SleivebsLwn, Sleiveroe } &c. 

Strath, a long and broad valley, through which a river gene- 
rally flows ; as /Strath&veii, Strathmore, Strathneldsay. 
Tra, a strand ; as Jralee, 2ramore, Ballin£m, Cul£ra. 

ANGLO-SAXON ROOTS. 

Ac, an oah ,* as ^.wcMand, ^Lc/cworth, .damolm. 

Athel, noble; as Atheling, the title of the heir-apparent to the 

Saxon crown. Hence also Athelney (the island of nobles), 

in Somersetshire. 1 

1 Where Alfred and his nobles concealed themselves from the 
Danes. 



AJTGLO-SAXON ROOTS. 207 

Berg, Burg, Burgh, Borough, Bury. The Gr. purgos (a tower, 
a castle, a fortified city, a town) seems to be the root of all 
these words. Compare the Celtic Dun. Hence Burgos, 
Bergen, Prague, Edinburgh, &c. 

Boil, Botle, an abode or dwelling-place ; as ILlbottle, Harbottle, 
ISewbottle. 

Burne, a stream, a brook, a bourn ; ai in Adderburn. Black - 
burn, Cranoowrw, Burnham, Bradbum, tlarybone, Tlolbum, 
Tyburn, Burton, &c. 

By, Bye, a dwelling or habitation, a village or town ; as in 
Appleoy, Deroy, Fenby, Kirk6y, Rugby, Denbigh. 

Carr, a rock, a scar ; as /Scarborough, and Skerries (rocky or 
craggy islets). 

Ceap, cattle, saleable commodities, sale, bargaining, traffic. 
Hence, Ceaptan, to buy, to traffic ; and our words Cheap, 
Cheapen, Cliapman, and shop. Hence, also, the names of 
places remarkable for trade, or where large markets were 
held ; as Cheapside, Chippenham, Copenhagen, &c. 

Comb, a hollow or low place between hills, a valley ; as Alcomb, 
Chilco7?i6, Stancomb, Wycombe, Y ar combe, &e. Hence, also, 
Cumberland, that is, the land of the combs, or hollows. In 
some cases the name of the owner was annexed; as Comb- 
Basset, CWo-Raleigh. The Welsh form is cwm ; as Ctvm- 
neath, CWaystwith. 

Cot, Cote, a cot or cottage ; as Cofewold, Fenco^es, Saltcoats. 

Dale, from the Danish dal, or the German thai, a vale or valley. 
Hence Avondale or Avendale, Clydesdale, ~Kendal, Dal- 
keith, Dalecarlia, Franken^a?, Heinthal, &c. Dell is another 
form of dale; as Aiimdel, "Dingley- Dell." 

Den, a deep valley, a valley in a plain ; as Denbigh, Dihden, 
Tenterden, &c. 

Ea, Ey, water, an island; as Anglesey, Battersea, Chelsea, 
Winchelsea, Bardsey, Ramsey, Sheppey, Nordereys, Souderey.?, 
Dalkey, Ely, Faroe, Mageroe, &c. 

Ham, a home or dwelling, a village, a town ; Hampshire, 
Hamburg, Hampton. Hence, also, our diminutive noun, 
hamlet. 

Hurst, a wood, a forest ; as Bradhurst, Brockhurst, &c. 

Ing, Inge, a field or meadow, a pasture ; as Heading, Leam- 
ington, Whittmyham, &c. 

Law, a conical hill, a mount, a tract of ground gently rising j 
as Broadluw, Berwick/az.y, &e 



208 AttGLO-gAfcOtt THIOLS. 

Mere, a sea, a lake, a pool, a marsh ; as Mersey, Mereton, 
Merlon, Merdon, ifo?-ton, &c. The root is the Latin mare, 
a sea. 

Minster, a monastery; as Ax.minster, Kidder?ninster, York- 
minster, Westminster, Monaster ev an, &c. 

Ness, a promontory ; as the Naze, Blackness, Caithness, 
Dvmgeness, hangness, &c. The root is the Latin nasus, the 
nose. 

Nord, the north ; as Nordereys, No?*dkyn, Norton, iVwway, 
i\ r o?'rkopping. 

Nether, downward, lower ; as Netherby, Netherlands, &c. 

Scrobs, a shrub or bush ; as Shropshire, Shrevjsbury, &c. 

Shire, a division, a share, sa shire, or county. Shear, to cut 
off, to divide, is from the same root ; also sheer, which pro- 
perly means that which is divided or separated from every- 
thing else ; and hence, unmixed, pure, clear. Hence, Shir- 
burne and Sherborn, that is, clear burn or stream. 

Stan, a stone ; as Staines, Stanton or Staunton, Holystone , 
EhrenbreitsZem, Frankenstem, &c. 

Stede, a stead, a station, a place, a town ; as Hamnstead, ITor- 
stead, Christians tadt, Williams tadt, &c. 

Stock, Stoke, Stow, a place, a dwelling ; as Stockbridge, Stoke, 
Stoke-Foges, Woodstock, Chepstow, Fadstow, &c. 

Strat, a street, a way or road; as in the Stratiords in Eng- 
land, and Stradbally in Ireland. This root is the Latin 
stratum. 

Sud, Suth, south ; as Sudbury, Sidlaw, Sudereys, Zuyder- 
Zee, &c. 

Thorp, a village ; as Thorp, Althoi'p, 'Bishonthorp, Altorf, 
Dusseldorf, &c. 

Wald, Weald, a wood or forest, a wold or wild. Hence, Wal- 
den, Waltham, " the" Wealds," the Cotswold Hills. 

JFzc/c, PF*cA, a town ; also, a bay or bend in a river, &c. ; a 
harbour. Hence, Alnwick, Brunsvnck, Warwick, Norwich, 
SsLiidiuich, Vantzic, Slesvrick. The root is the Latin vicus, 
a street. 

Worth, a farm, a village, a town ; as Aeworth, Glentivorth, 
ItLemlworth, Itamivorth, Walworth, Wentworth, &c. 



209 
ENGLISH ETYMOLOGIES. 



The great importance of a knowledge of the Latin 
and Greek roots, by which the vocabulary of the 
English language has been so much enriched, is now 
universally admitted. In almost every spelling- 
book and grammar now published copious lists of 
them are given \ while English Etymology, pro- 
perly so called, is comparatively neglected. It 
seems to be forgotten that a similar use may be 
made of primitive English words. In this little 
book, from page 56 to 73, and under the head of 
English Prefixes and Affixes, from page 149 to 
152, several hundred words have heenetymologically 
explained by merely tracing them to the primitive 
English words from which they are derived. The 
following are additional examples : — ■ 

Derivative words are formed from their primi- 
tives: 1. By the addition of letters or syllables. 
2. By the omission of letters or syllables. 3. By the 
interchange of equivalent or kindred letters. 

All words having prefixes or postfixes, or both, 
are examples of the first process. To the examples 
given from page 145 to 152, inclusive, the following 
may be added : — 

EXAMPLES OF DERIVATIVE WORDS FORMED FROM THEIR 
ROOTS BY THE ADDITION OF LETTERS OR SYLLABLES. 



Crack Crackle 

Cramp Crumple 

Crumb Crumble 



Curd Curdle 

Drip Dribble 

Fond Fondle 



210 



ENGLISH ETYMOLOGIES. 



Gamble 


Shove 


Shovel 


Grapple 
Hackle 


Side 
Spark 


Sidle 
Sparkle 


Higgle 


Stray 


Straggle 


Nestle 


Stride 


Straddle 


Nibble 


Throat 


Throttle 


Puzzle 


Track 


Trickle 


Prattle 


Wade 


Waddle 


Rankle 


Whet 


Whittle 


Ramble 


Wink 


Twinkle 


Ruffle 


Wrest 


Wrestle 


Scribble 


Wring 


Wrinkle 


Settle 


Wrong 


Wrangle 



Game 

Gripe 

Hack 

Hack 

Nest 

Nib 

Pose 

Prate 

Rank 

Roam 

Rough 

Scribe 

Set 

Verbs of this formation are called frequentative s, 

because they imply & frequency or iteration of small acts. 
Nouns of this formation are called diminutives, 

because they imply diminution; as 
Bind Bundle 'Seat Saddle 

Gird Girdle Shoot Shuttle 

Hand Handle Spin Spindle 

Lade Ladle Steep Steeple 

Nib Nipple Stop Stopple 

Round Rundle Thumb Thimble 

Ruff Ruffle Tread Treadle 

Some frequentative verbs are formed by adding 
<??- to the primitive word ; as 



Beat 
Spit 
Spit 
Pest 
Climb 



Batter 

Sputter 

Spatter 

Pester 

Clamber 



Gleam 

Wend 

Long 

Hang 

Whine 



Glimmer 

Wander 

Linger 

Hanker 

Whimper 



The large classes of nouns which are formed from the 
past participle, and also, from the old form (-eth) of the 
third person singular of verbs, are examples of the 
second and third process, that is, of contraction, and 
interchange of kindred letters. 



ENGLISH ETYMOLOGIES 



211 



EXAMPLES OF NOUNS FORMED FROM THE PAST 
PARTICIPLES OF VERBS. 



Joined 


Joint 


Shrived 


Shrift 


Feigned 


Feint 


Drived 


Drift 


Waned 


Want 


Gived 


Gift 


Bended 


Bent 


Sieve (sieved) 


Sift 


Rended 


Bent 


Rived 


Rift 


Gilded 


Gilt 


Grafted 


Graft 


Weighed 


Weight 


Haved 


Haft 


Frayed 


Fright 


Haved 


Heft 


Mayed 


Might 


Waved 


Waft 


Bayed 


Biirht 


Deserved 


Desert 


Cleaved 


Cleft 


Held 


Hilt 


Weaved 


Weft 


Flowed 


Flood 


Thieved 


Theft 


Flowed 


Float 


Thrived 


Thrift 


Cooled 1 


Cold 


EXAMPLES OF NOUNS FORMED BY CONTRACTION FROM THE 


OLD THIRD PERSON 


SINGULAR OF VERBS. 


Healeth 


Health 


Beareth 


Birth 


Stealeth 


Stealth 


Breatheth 


Breath 


Wealeth 


Wealth 


Girdeth 


Girth 


Groweth 


Growth 


Dieth 


Death 


Troweth 


Troth 


Tilleth 


Tilth 


Troweth 


Truth 


Smiteth 


Smith 2 


Breweth 


Broth 


Mooneth 


Month 


Some nouns have been 


similarly formed from ad- 


jectives ; as 






Deep 


Depth 


Wide 


Width 


Long 


Length 


Broad 


Breadth 


Strong 


Strength 


Slow 


Sloth 


Young 


Youth 


Warm 


Warmth 


Merry 


Mirth 


Dear 


Dearth 



i The irregular verbs, as they are called, are additional ex 
amples of this tendency in the language. 

2 "Whence cometh Smyth, albe he knight or squire, 

But from the smith that smiteth at the fire." — Verstegan. 



212 



EHGttSH ETYMOLOGIES. 



EXAMPLES OF THE INTERCHANGE OF KINDRED LETTERS, 



Bake 


Batch 


Nick 


Notch 


Wake 


Watch 


Nick 


Niche 


Hack 


Hatch 


Stink 


Stench 


Make 


Match 


Drink 


Drench 


Break 


Breach 


Crook 


CrouclT 


Speak 


Speech 


Mark 


Marches 


Seek 


Beseech 


Stark 


x Starch 


Poke 


Pouch 


Milk 


Milch 


Dike 


Ditch 


Kirk 


Church 


Stick 


Stitch 


Lurk 


Lurch 



From the natural 1 tendency in all languages to ab- 
breviations, long sounds in simple or primitive words 
usually become short in compounds and derivatives. 
In the lists of words previously given, several examples 
may be found ; and the following are additional : 



Cave 


Cavity 


Steal 


Stealth 


Game 


Gamble 


Weal 


Wealth 


Vale 


Valley 


Breathe 


Breath 


Shade 


Shadow 


Dear 


Dearth 


Insane 


Insanity 


Please 


Pleasant 


Nature 


Natural 


Please 


Pleasure 


Prate 


Prattle 


Seam 


Sempstress 






Zeal 


Zealous 


Grain 


Granary 






Vain i 


Vanity 


Legend 


Legendary 


Explain 


Explanation 


Secret 


Secretary 


Villain > 


Viliany 






Maintain 


Maintenance 


Deep 


Depth 






Sheep 


Shepherd 


Break (a) 


Breakfast (e) 


Spleen 


Splenetic 


Clean 


Cleanse 






Clean 


Cleanly 


Crzme 


Criminal 


Heal 


Health 


Prime 


Primer 



1 Because we wish to communicate our ideas with as much 
quickness as possible. 



ENGLISH ETYMOLOGIES. 



213 



Mime 
Line 
Vine 
. Behind 
Wind 
Wild 
Wise 
Wise 
Michael 
White 
White 



Mimic 

Lineal 

Vineyard 

Hinder 

Windlass 

Wilderness 

Wizard 

Wisdom 

Michaelmas 

Whitbread 

Whitsunday 



Fore 

Know 

Holy 

Import 

Goose 

Coal 

Foul 

Sour 

Boor 

House 

South 



Forehead 

Knowledge 

Holiday 

Important 

Gosling 

Collier 

Fulsome 

Surly 

Burly 

Hustings 

Southerly 



This is an important principle in pronunciation, as 
well as in derivation. We sometimes hear the fore in 
/orehead "pronounced four as in the simple word, instead 
of for, as it should be in the compound ; also chastity 
with the long sound ot a, as in chaste instead of 
eliastitij. Compare humane, humanity ; nation, na- 
tional ; serene, serenity ; divine, divinity ; conspire, 
conspiracy ; pronounce, pronunciation, &c. 

In English, as in all other languages, there are fami- 
lies of words, that is, words allied in derivation and 
meaning ; as 

Basis, base, abase, debase, basement. 

Beat, batter, battery, bat, baton, beetle. 

Bind, band, bandage, bond, bound, boundary, bundle. 

Bow, bough, booth (boweth, or made of boughs), bay. 

Crook, creek, crick, crouch, crotchet, crotchety, 
crutch, encroach, encroachment. 

Drop, droop, drip, dribble, dripping, drivel. 

Feed, food, fodder. 

Foot, feet, fetter, fetlock. 

Head, heed, hood. 

Heal, health, hale, hail (to wish health, to salute). 

Slip, slop, slope, slipper, slippery. 

Spit, spittle, spout, sputter, spatter. 

Sup, supper, sop, soup, sip, &c. 



214 ENGLISH ETYMOLOGIES. 

Many of the preceding words are ety mo logically 
explained in the following list : — 

Abase, to lower ; to debase or degrade. 

Abate, to beat down ; to lower ; to lessen or diminish. 
Bate 1 is another form of the same word. 

Acorn (ac-corri), the corn or berry of the oak. Com- 
pare Auckland, that is, Oakland. 

After, a comparative from aft, 2 behind. 

Alderman, another form of elderman. Compare Sen- 
ator (from the Latin senex, an old man). 

Aeoft, on loft; that is, lifted up, or on high. 

Alone, all one ; that is, entirely by one's self. We 
sometimes hear a alV redoubled as " all alone." 
Hence, also, Lone, Lonely, &c. 

Aemosi, that is, most all ; nearly. 

Also, that is, so all ; likewise. 

Aeoof, from all off; that is, entirely off, or away from, 
remote, apart. 

Amass, to bring to the mass or heap ; to accumulate. 

Amount, to mount or ascend. u The amount " is what 
the entire sum ascends or rises to. 

Ant, an abbreviation of emmet (em'i). 

Appal, to make pale with fear, to terrify. 

Appease, to bring to peace ; to pacify. 

Appraise, to set a price or value on. 

Arrears, that portion which remains (in the rear) be- 
hind or unpaid. 

Atone, to make to be at one ; to reconcile ; to expiate. 

Bacon, swine's flesh baked (baken) or dried by heat. 

Bandy, to beat to and fro ; to give word for word. 
From bandy, an instrument bent at the bottom, for 
striking balls at play. Bandy-legs, uneven, bending, 
or crooked leers. 



1 " Abate thy speed and I will bate of mine." — Dryden. 

2 Aft and abaft are still used at sea. 






ENGLISH ETYMOLOGIES. 215 

Barricade, Barrier, are so called because made or 
fortified with bars. 

Batter, a frequentative of beat. Hence Battery, 
Battle, Battle-door, Bat, Combat, Debate. 

Baste, to beat with a baton 1 or cudgel ; to give the 
bastinado. To baste meat is to beat or rub it with a 
stick covered with fat, as was formerly the custom. 

Batch, the number of loaves baked at the same time. 
Compare the words similarly formed, page 212. 

Bairn, another form of boren or born ; from the verb 
to bear. Bairn is a Scotch term for a child. 

Baubee, a baby or child's plaything ; a gewgaw. 

Bayonet, so called, from having been first made in 
JBayonne, a town in France. 

Beam. A sym-beam, the beam of a balance, and a beam 
of timber are evidently different applications of the 
same word. Compare Ray and Radius. 

Beaver, a hat made of the fur of the beaver or castor. 

Bedlam, originally the hospital of St. Mary, Bethlehem, 
which was opened in London, in 1545, for the recep- 
tion of lunatics ; but the term is now generally ex- 
tended to all mad-houses or lunatic asylums. 

Beetee, from the verb to beat, because used for beating 
or pounding. A beetle is a heavy-looking 2 and clumsy 
instrument, and hence the terms a Z><?<?£fe-headed," 
that is, with a head as thick as a beetle ; u beetle- 
browed," having a brow heavy and overhanging like 
a beetle. This common household word has been also 
beautifully extended to poetry ; as, 

«« The cliff 

That beetles o'er his base into the sea." 3 

" "Where the hawk 

High in the beetling cliff his aery builds." 4 

1 Baton, formerly written baston. 

2 Some beetlesvrere so heavy that it requiredthreemen tomanage 
them, as appears by the term "three-man beetle,''' in Shakspeare. 

s Shaksperre (Hamlet). i Thomson (Spring). 



216 ENGLISH ETYMOLOGIES. 

Behold, to hold or keep the eyes fixed upon, and hence, 

to look steadfastly on. 
Beholden, the old form of the past participle of the . 

verb to hold. Compare Bounden, Bound, Obliged, 

and Obligated. 
Behaef, seems to be a corruption of behoof, which' 

means to a person's profit or advantage. 
Bereave, from be and reave or rive, to take away from ; 

to plunder or rob. 
Between, between twain or two. See Twin. 
Bewilder. To be bewildered is to be puzzled and per- 
plexed, like a person in a wilderness, who does not 

know which way to turn. See Wild. 
Bib, Bibber, from the same root as imbibe, to drink in. 

Bib is properly a cloth tucked under the chin of a 

child when it drinks or feeds. 
Bileet, a small bill. To billet soldiers, is to note their 

names, &o, in a bill, or piece of writing ; and hence 

to send them to their quarters or lodgings. See Bill, 

page 58. 
Boa, a fur tippet ; large and round ; so called from its 

resemblance to the boa constrictor. 
Beoat, from Mowed (plowed, blowt, bloat), as float, 

from flowed. Bloated, blown out or inflated; swollen 

or puffed out. 
Boggee, to hesitate ; to stick as if in a bog. 
Bond, that by which a person is bound. 
Booth, from boweth ; as broth from breweth ; truth 

from troweth ; &c. A booth properly means a house 

made of boughs ; and hence a temporary house. 
Bough, from bow, to bend, because it bows or bends 

from the stem or trunk. Hence bower, an arbour, 

because made of boughs bent and twined together. 
Bow, the forepart of a ship ; so called from its bent or 

rounded form. Hence Bowsprit, the spar or boom 

which {sprouts or) projects from the bow of a ship. 

Hence also, Bower, an anchor carried at the bow. 



ENGLISH ETYMOLOGIES. 217 

Bout, from bow, to bend ; to turn (bow'd, bout). An- 
other bout means another turn} 

Bread, from brayed, past participle of bray, to pound 
or break. Bread properly means brayed corn. 

B rinded, Brindled, other forms of the word branded. 
The skin or hide of a brinded cat, or brindled cow, is 
marked with brown streaks, as if branded in. Branded 
is another form of burned. See note on Board, p. 58. 

Brood, the number bred at one time. u To brood over," 
is a beautiful metaphor from a bird sitting constantly 
and anxiously over its eggs, till they are brought to 
maturity. 

Burly, for boorly, that is, like a boor. Compare surly 
(for sourly) from sour*. See page 213. 

Cambric, from Cambray, because noted for its manu- 
facture. Compare Calico, from Calicut; Damask, 
from Damascus; Diaper, from aV Ypres ; Dimity, 
from Damietta, &c. 

Casement, a window opening in a case or frame. 

Cashier, the person in a mercantile establishment who 
has charge of the cash. 

Cavalierly, haughtily ; like a cavalier, or trooper. 
Cavalier, cavalry, and chivalry are different 
forms and applications of the same word. 

Cess, abbreviated from assess. Cess is the amount of 
taxes assessed or rated. 

Chandler, a maker and seller of candles. Hence, also, 
chandelier, a branch for candles. But chandler, a 
general dealer, as ship-chandler and corn- chandler , 
is from a different root. 

Clamber, a frequentative from climb. See page 210. 

Chilblain, from chill and blain. A chilblain is a Main 
or blister produced by cold. 

Closet, a small or close apartment ; a private room. 

' " In notes with many a winding bout 

Of linked sweetness long drawn out." — Milton. 

K 



218 ENGLISH ETYMOLOGIES. 

Clumsy, from clump (clumpsy) ; and hence heavy, shape- 
less, awkward. 

Comely, coming together ; and hence fitting, suitable, 
decent, graceful. Compare Becoming. 

Coop, originally a cask or barrel ; and hence the term 
cooper, a maker of coops. The name was also given 
to cages or enclosures for poultry, &c, and hence, to 
coop up, came to signify to shut up, or confine within 
narrow limits. 

Countenance, the contents of the face — the whole fea- 
tures taken together. 

Craven, one that has craven or craved his life from 
his antagonist. 

Crtmpee, Crumple, frequentatives from cramp, a con- 
traction or drawing together. 

Crippee, from creep. A cripple is sometimes obliged, as 
it were, to creep along. 

Crouch, to crook or bow down. Crutch is another 
form of crook, and means a staff for crouching or 
stooping old men. Crotchet and Crotchety are 
from the same root. 

Cud, that is, what has been already chewed (cheufd). 

~*Quid is another form of the same word. 

Curd, Curdle, from crude, by metathesis of the letter 
r. See note on Board, page 58. 

Damson, for Damascene, from Damascus. 

Dawn (Joy day en), the beginning or break of day. 

Deed, anything that is do~ed or done ; as seed from 
sowed, and flood from flowed. See page 211. 

Dismay, from dis, as in dfzsarm, and may, to be able. 
To be deprived of might, and hence to be discouraged 
and terrified. 

Dorr, to do or put off; to lay aside. 

Doom, that which is deemed or adjudged. Doomsday, 
the day of judgment. 

Draughts, a game in which the men are played by 
being draughted or drawn along the board. 






ENGLISH ETYMOLOGIES. 219 

Drawing-boom, an apartment for withdrawing or re- 
tiring* to after dinner. 

Drawl, to draw out one's words slowly and affectedly. 

Dray, a heavy cart, originally without wheels, so called 
from being drawn or dragged along. 

Droop, to drop or hang down the head ; to languish. 

Elder, the comparative of the obsolete word eld, old. 
Elder, Older, and Alder (as in alderman) are the 
same words differently spelled. 

Ell, properly means an arm ; whence elbow, the how 
or bend of the arm. The ell English was fixed by 
the length of the king's arm in 1101 (Henry I.) See 
Nail, page 69. 

Embark, to go into a bark or ship ; to put to sea : and 
hence to engage in a hazardous undertaking or enter- 
prise ; to engage in any affair. 

Embarrass (to oppose a bar or obstacle), to obstruct 
to perplex or confuse. 

Embroider, to botldeii or ornament with raised figures 
of needle-work. For the metathesis of the letter 
r, see note on Board, page 58. 1 

Enlist, to enter on a list or roll, the names of persons 
engaged for military service. 

Endeavoub, to do one's devoir or duty ; to exert one's 
self for a particular purpose. 

Fag, one that does the coarse or heavy work ; a drudge. 
To he fagged, is to be weary from over- work; and 
the^^-end is the coarse or inferior end. 

Fancy, from phantasy; as frenzy, from phrenesy ; 
palsy from paralysis ; and pboxy from procuracy. 

Fallow, a yellowish-red; and hence the term has been 
applied to fallow deer, and fallow ground, that is, 
ground turned up by the plough and left unsown. 
Hence, to lie fallow is to be unoccupied. 

Fabthing, from four thing, a division into four parts. 

'* 'Among the thick- woven arborets and flowers, 

Embordered on each bank — the work of Eve." — Milton. 

K 2 



220 ENGLISH ETYMOLOGIES. 

Festoon, originally a garland worn at a feast ; but 

now an ornament in architecture, in the form of a 

wreath or garland of flowers. 
Fetlock, from foot and lock ; which means either the 

joint that locks or fastens the foot to the leg ; or the 

loch of hair that grows behind the pastern of a horse. 
Fetter, properly chains or shackles for the feet ; as 

manacles for the hands. 
Fifteen, from five and ten. Compare twenty (twain 

ten), thirty (three ten), &c. 
First, the superlative of fore (as in before, and fore- 
head), Fore, forer, forest, for sH, first. Compare 

wore, worer, w or est, worst. 
Flea, perhaps fromfie^ from its agility in escaping. 
Fodder, to feed or give food to. 

Foible, & failing or weakness ; another form of feeble. 
Forest al, to buy up provisions before they reach the 

stall or market ; and hence to anticipate or hinder 

by preoccupation or prevention. 
Forsake, not to seek; and hence to leave or desert. 

See page 149, for the prefix for. 
Fortnight, from fourteen and night ; as se'nnight is 

for sevennight. 
Forward. See under ward, page 152. 
Fribble, a frivolous or trifling person ; a fop. Compare 

drivel, from dribble. 
Fro ward, turned from or perverse. Compare toward. 
Fulsome, from foul and some. 
Fume, to smoke ; to be hot with rage ; to vapour. 
Gad-fly, from goad and fly, as tad -pole is for toad- 

pole, that is, a young toad. Compare hornet with 

gad-fty. 
Gang, a number of person s ganging or going together, as 

"the press-gang ;" a u gang of robbers," &c. 
Gangway, the way by which persons gang or go. 9 
Garner, from granary, by metathesis of r. See note 

on Board,' page 58; also Grain, page 65. 



ENGLISH ETYMOLOGIES. 221 

Gingerbread, a kind of sweet bread or cake, so called 
from being spiced or flavoured with ginger. 

Gosling, from goose and ling. See page 151. 

Grocer, from gross, a large quantity ; a grocer, origi- 
nally signifying a dealer that sells by the gross or 
wholesale. 

Guinea, so called because first coined from the gold 
brought from Guinea, in Africa. 

Gunnel, properly gunwale, from gun and wale, sl ridge, 
a streak ; a rising or projecting plank in the sides of 
a ship, through which the guns, when there are any, 
are pointed. 

Grotesque. This term was originally applied to 
figures found in the ancient grottos in Italy. 

Haft, is haved, havd, haft. The haft of a knife or 
poniard, is the haved part ; the part by which it is 
held. Heft is another form of the same word ; and 
hilt, that is, held, is similarly derived. 

Hammercloth, from hamper and cloth. The cloth 
that covers the coach-box. Under the seat of the 
coachman there was formerly a hamper, for market 
and other purposes, and the cloth that covered or 
concealed it was called the hamper cloth ; whence 

HAMMERCLOTH. 

Hanger, a short sword ; so called because it hangs or 
is suspended from the side. 

IIarier, now written harrier, a kind of hound for 
hunting hares. 

Hare-brained, wild, unsettled. Compare the adage, 
" As mad as a March hare ;" also the phrase harum- 
scarum. This word is usually, but erroneously 
spelled Amr-brained. 

Heed, to give one's head or mind to. 

Higgle, probably another frequentative from hack, 
and meaning to cut as with a blunt instrument, and 
therefore to be long about a thing. Compare the 
word decide, which means to cut off at once. 



222 ENGLISH ETYMOLOGIES. 

Holster, another form of holder. Compare rhymer 
and rhymester ; spinner and spinster; singer and 
songster, &c. See Upholsterer. 

Hood, a part of the dress which covers the head. 

Hound, a dog for hunting with. See Mound. 

Huswife, from house and wife. 

Husband, probably from house and band ; as being 
the stay or support of the family. 1 Hence, husband- 
man, a farmer or tiller of the ground ; and hus- 
bandry, tillage or cultivation ; thrifty management 
or economy. 2 

Ill, a contraction of evil. Ail is another form of ill. 

Imagine, to form an image or likeness of any thing in 
the mind ; to fancy or conceive that a thing is so. 

Impertinent, not pertaining or relating to ; and hence 
unfit ; unbecoming ; intrusive. 

Incense, perfume exhaled by fire. Hence, Incen'se, to 
inflame with anger. 

Indenture, a deed or covenant, so named, because 
the counterparts are indented or notched, so as to 
correspond. 

Inform, to represent to the mind or conception the 
form or idea of a thing ; and hence, to convey or 
impart ideas ; to apprise or instruct. 

Jest, an abbreviation of gesture. A jest is properly a 
gesture or grimace, to excite mirth. 

Jovial (born under the influence of the planet Jupiter 
or Jove), gay, merry, jolly. Compare saturnine, 
mercurial, and martial. 

Kidnap, to nab or steal children ; kid having formerly 
meant a child. 

Kine, for cowen, the old plural of cow. Compare the 
formation of swine from sowen. 

1 " The name of a husband, what is it to say ? 

Of wife and the household the band and the stay." — Tusser. 

2 *' There's husbandry in heaven, their candles are all out." 

Shakspeare. 



ENGLISH ETYMOLOGIES. 223 

Landscape, from land and shape. The shape and ap- 
pearance of the land, &c. , in a picture. 

Lass, a contraction of Ladess, the feminine of lad. 
Compare ma'am for madam ; and last for latest. 

Last, a contraction of latest ; and hence to be the latest, 
or most enduring. Hence, lasting, everlasting, &c. 

Laggard, one that lags or keeps behind. Seepage 150. 

Launch or Lanch, to hurl a lance ; to dart from the 
hand ; and hence to propel with velocity, as a ship 
from the stocks into the sea. Hence, launch, a 
light boat, and therefore easily launched. 

Left. See pages 66 and 211. 

List, a narrow strip of paper on which names are en- 
rolled ; a border on cloth ; the space enclosed for 
combatants. 1 See Enlist. 

Locket, the diminutive of lock. A small loek or catch 
used for fastening a necklace or other ornament. 
Compare pocket from poke. 

Loiter, to be later ; to be slow or dilatory. 

Luggage, properly, baggage, so heavy that it requires 
to be lugged or pulled along. Hence, also, lugger, 
a vessel which sails heavily, and as if draggingly along. 

Lumber, probably from lump ; things lying in confused 
lumps or heaps. 

Manacles, chains for the hands. Compare fetters. 

Manual, a book that may be carried in the hand ; and 
hence, a small book. 

Mayor, the chief magistrate in a city. Another form 
and application of major, the proper meaning of 
which is greater. 

Meander, from the Meander, a river in Phrygia, re- 
markable for its winding and serpentine course. 

Mote, a very small particle, seems to be another form 
of mite, a small insect ; a small coin. 

i ' ; The very list, the very utmost bound, 
Of all our fortune!-). — Shakspeare. 



224 ENGLISH ETYMOLOGIES. 

Mould is perhaps from meal? {mealed, meaVd, mould, 

like the words in page 211). See Mould, page 69. 
Mound, another form of mount. Compare the for- 
mation of Hound from Hunt. 
Naught, a compound of ne aught, that is, not any 

thing ; and hence, worthless ; bad ; wicked. 
Neighbour, from nigh ; and perhaps boor. 
Neither, from ne or not, and either, one of the two. 
Ness, a nose or point of land running into the sea ; as 

the Naze in Norway ; and Langness in the Isle of 

Man (i. e., long ness or nose). 
Net, so called because knitted. 
Niggard, from nigh, near, and ard. See page 150 for 

ARD. A niggard is a near, close, or stingy person. 
Nosegay, a bunch of flowers for smell and gay ap- 
pearance. 
Nostril, from nose and thrill, to drill or pierce. 
None, a contraction of no one. Compare neither. 
Nought, a corruption of naught, bat the meaning is 

now different : nought meaning not any things and 

naught, bad or wicked. 
Nozzle, a frequentative from nose. See page 210. 
Offal, that which (falls off) is cast away as unfit for 

food ; and hence, any thing worthless. Compare 

refuse and rubbish. 
Offspring, that which springs off, or arises from ; 

a child or children. 
Only, from one and ly or like. See like, p. 151. 
Ought, a contraction of owed, oiv'd, ought. 2 Ought 

means to owe it as a duty to act so and so. Compare 

the formation of bought from buyed. 
Orrery, an astronomical instrument, which the inventor 

(Rowley) so named in honour of his patron, the Earl 

of Orrery. 



1 Meal is from the Latin mold, a mill. 

2 " The love and duty I long have ought you.""— Spellman. 



ENGLISH ETYMOLOGIES. 225 

Ostler, Hostler, the man who takes care of horses at 

a (hostel) hotel or inn. 
Padlock (a lock for a pad gate) , a lock with a staple 

and hasp. 
Paduasoy, a kind of silk from Padua. 
Parboil, to (part boil) half boil. 
Parcel, 1 a small part or portion ; a small package. 
Parse, to resolve or analyse a sentence into its elements 

or parts of speech. 
Pattern, a corruption of patron, and hence a model, 

because dependents follow and try to imitate their 

patrons. 
Pelt, contracted from pellet, a small ball. To pe'Ct, 

properly means to hit with pellets. 
Perform, to bring to &form or shape ; to perfect ; to 

achieve or accomplish. 
Perry, a drink made from pears. 
Peruse, to use (per) throughly or thoroughly; and 

hence, to read through and through, or carefully. 
Philippic, properly the speeches of Demosthenes 

against Philip, king of Macedon ; but afterwards 

applied to any invective declamation ; as the orations 

of -Cicero against Antony. 
Pike, along lance or spear ; a voracious fish — so named 

from the sharpness of its snout. Pique, to touch to 

the quick, to offend deeply, is the same word differ- 
ently spelled and applied. Hence, piquant, sharp, 

pungent, severe. 
Pipkin, a small pipe or vessel. Compare l&mbkin, &c. 
Pocket, a small poke, or bag. Pouch and pock (a 

little bag or pustule) are different forms of the same 

word. Hence also poach, to bag or steal game ; 

and poacher, a stealer of game. 
Pucker (to form into small pocks or pokes), to wrinkle 

or ruffle. See Pocket. 

1 " Of which by parcels she had something heard." — Shakspeare* 

K 3 



226 ENGLISH ETYMOLOGIES. 

Quagmire, from quake, as in ewtfaquake, and mire. 

Quick, alive or living ; as " the quick and the dead/ 7 
Hence, be quick, and be alive, are equivalent expres- 
sions. Life implies motion ; and hence, the expres- 
sions quicksilver, ^zc&sand, &c. 

Rally, to re- ally or reunite broken forces. 

Keel (a frequentative of roll), to roll or turn, to 
move quickly round ; to stagger. 

Regale (to entertain like a king), to feast sumptu- 
ously. From regal, kingly. 

Remnant, a contraction of remanent, remaining. 

Rest, that which rests or remains behind. Rest, cessa- 
tion or relaxation, is the same word differently applied. 

Riddle, an enigma, is a diminutive of read or rede, to 
guess. Riddle, a coarse sieve, is from reticle. 

Roost, to rest ; the place on which birds perch or rest 
for the night. 

Satchel (a small sack), a small bag. See page 151, 
for the terminations which express diminution. 

Salver, from save. Salvers were originally used for 
saving or carrying away the fragments of an enter- 
tainment. Salvage is a recompence awarded to 
those who have saved ships from being wrecked. 

Sampler, an example ; a copy or model. Hence, also, 
sample, a specimen. See Spice. 

Saw, a saying ; a proverb; as, ''full of wise saws and 
modern instances." 

Scrap, that which is scraped off; and hence, a very 
small portion of any thing Compare scum, that 
which is skimmed off. 

Sharper, a sharp, keen person ; a cheat. 

Sheen, bright or shining ; from the verb to shine. 

Sheriff, from shirereeve. Compare portreeve. 

Shuffle, a frequentative from shove. To shove or 
move cards frequently from one hand to the other ; 
and hence, to keep changing one's ground or position. 
Shovel is from the same root. 



ENGLISH ETYMOLOGIES. 227 

Skipper, another form of shipper; the master or cap- 
tain of a trading vessel, 
Sloven, from slow ; as craven, from crave. Slut is 

from the same word (slowed, slow'd, slut). See 

similar formations, page 211. 
Sneer. It is remarkable that most words beginning 

with sn have reference to the nose; as snout, sneer, 

sneeze, snore, snort, snarl, snuff, snuffle, sniff, snivel, 

snaffle, &c. 
Snuff, that which is sniffed. 
Soak seems to be connected with suck. 
Sorrel, a plant of a sour or acid taste. Compare surly. 
Spice, a very small quantity — as much as would enable 

one to .judge of the species or quality. Specimen is 

another form of the same word. 
Staple, another form of stable; firm, established. 
Starch, another form of stark ; stiff, firm, confirmed, 

as u stark mad." See Starch, page 212. 
Steeple, from steep, high. Step, that which enables 

us to ascend, is also from steep. 
Stud, another form of stood, a number of horses 

standing together ; a set of horses ; a nail or button for 

fixing or keeping things steady ; the head of a nail 

or similar ornament set or fixed on any thing. 
Tad-pole. See Gad-fly, page 220. 
Talent, a weight or sum of money; also (from the 

parable of the Talents), a natural gift or faculty. 
Tamper, to try a person's temper, with the view of 

practising upon it. 
Tap, to strike or hit with the tip of any thing, as the 

finger ; to knock gently. 
Tendril, the young or tender spirals of the vine. 
Tight, from tied. See page 211. 
Twilight, the waning light between day and dark. 
Twin, from twoen. Twain, twine, and tween, as in 

between, are different forms of the same word. 
Twist, that which is twiced. See page 211. 



228 ENGLISH ETYMOLOGIES. 

Trice, is from thrice, and means in an instant; before 
you could say thrice. 

Trifle. It seems another form of trivial. 

Upholsterer, another form of upholder (upholdster, 
upholsterer), a bearer or supporter at a funeral ; 
one who undertakes to supply funerals; and hence, 
one "who provides furniture or upholstery for houses. 
Compare undertaker; and see Holster, page 222. 

Usher, one that stands at a door for the purpose of 
introducing strangers or visitors; and hence, an 
under teacher — one who introduces or initiates young 
children in the rudiments or elements of learnin g. 

Utter, for outer, farther out ; and hence, extreme ; as 
in M utter darkness." See Express, page 63. 

Veneer, to inlay with wood, so as to give the appear- 
ance of veins. 

Waddle, from wade. To walk as if wading; to walk 
awkwardly. 

Waver, from wave. " For he that wavereth is like a 
wave of the sea, driven with the wind and tossed." 

Wild, will, willed, wil'd, wild. Self-willed, or follow- 
ing one's own will. 

Warn, from the old verb ware-en, as in heware. Com- 
pare learn from lear-en ; for the old form was lear, 
whence lore. To warn is to tell a person to beware, 
or to be wary. 

Whisk, a quick, sweeping motion f a kind of brush 
for sweeping; hence whisker, from the resemblance 
to a whisk or brush. 

Wizard. See page 150 for the affix, ard. 

Wrong, from wring, as song from sing. Wrong 
means wrung, or wrested from the right or correct 
course of conduct. 



1 "No thought advances but the eddy brain 
Whisks it about, and 4own it goes again.*' 



229 



SYNONYMES. 



In all languages, particularly in those that are of a 
mixed origin, there are numerous groups of words 
which have the same general meaning. Such words 
are called synonymes or synonymous terms. In 
the English language, for example, which derives 
so large a portion of its vocabulary from Latin, 
Greek, French, and other sources, the number of 
SYNONYMES is unusually great \ and to this circum- 
stance one of its principal difficulties may be at- 
tributed. For, in order to have a correct and 
critical knowledge of the language, we must know, 
not only all the words which are synonymous, but 
also all the peculiarities by which they are dis- 
tinguished from each other. For it is only in the 
expression of one general idea that synonymous 
words agree ; and to this extent only they should 
be considered as equivalent in meaning. But it 
will be found, also, that they have, in addition to 
the idea which is common to them all, peculiar sig- 
nifications or appropriate applications of their own ; 
and in these respects they should be considered as 
quite different words. In employing synonymous 
words, therefore, great care should be taken to 
distinguish between their general meanings and 
particular or peculiar applications. If two or more 
of them be employed to express one and the same 



230 SYNONYMES, OK 

idea/ the most objectionable kind of tautology will 
be produced, namely, the unnecessary repetition of 
the same idea. And on the other hand, if their 
peculiar significations and appropriate applications 
be confounded, ambiguity and error will be the 
result. 

In a work of this kind it would be useless to 
attempt even to enter upon a subject so extensive 
and so important. All that can be done here is, 
to give a list of the principal or most important 
synonymes of the language, with a few introductory 
notes in illustration of the general subject. The 
learner is also recommended to refer to a Dictionary 
for the general meaning and peculiar applications 
of each of the words here given ; and in order that 
this maybe done in our schools, the teacher should, 
from time to time, assign to the class a suitable 
number of them to be prepared as a lesson or 
exercise. 

The following extract from Blair's Lectures will 
form an excellent introduction to the subject : — 

u The great source of a loose style, in opposition to 
precision, is the injudicious use of those words termed 
S} r nonymous. They are called synonymous, because 
they agree in expressing one principal idea ; but for the 
most part, if not always, they express it with some di- 
versity in the circumstances. They are varied by some 

i " There are two occasions on which synonymous words may 
be used : one is, when an obscurer term, which we cannot avoid, 
precedes or follows, and needs explanation by one that is clearer ; 
the other is, when the language of the passions is exhibited. 
Passion naturally dwells ©n its objects. The impassioned speaker 
always attempts to rise in expression ; but when that is imprac- 
ticable, he recurs to repetition and synonymy, and theieby in 
some measure produces the same effect." — Campbell's Phil, of 
Rhetoric. 



SYNONYMOUS TERMS. 231 

accessary idea, which every word introduces, and which forms 
the distinction between them. Hardly in any language are 
there two words that convey precisely the same idea ; a person 
thoroughly conversant in the propriety of the language will 
always be able to observe something that distinguishes them. 
As they are like different shades of the same colour, an accurate 
writer can employ them to great advantage, by using them so 
as to heighten and to finish the picture which he gives us. Pie 
supplies by one what was wanting in the other, to the force or to 
the lustre of the image which he means to exhibit. But in order 
to this end, he must be extremely attentive to the choice which 
he makes of them. For the bulk of writers are very apt to 
confound them with each other, and to employ them carelessly, 
merely for the sake of filling up a period, or of rounding and 
diversifying the language, as if their signification were exactly 
the same, while in truth it is not. Hence, a certain mist and 
indistinctness is unwarily thrown over style. 

" As the subject is of importance, I shall give some examples 
of the difference in meaning among words reputed synonymous. 
The instances which I am about to give may themselves be of 
use ; and they will show the necessity of attending with care 
and strictness, to the exact import of words, if ever we would 
write with propriety and precision: — 

Austerity, severity, rigour. — Austerity relates to the manner of 
living ; severity, of thinking ; rigour, of punishing. To austerity 
is opposed effeminacy ; to severity, relaxation ; to rigour, clemency. 
A hermit is austere in his life ; a casuist severe in Ms application 
of religion or law ; a judge, rigorous in his sentence. 

Custom, habit — Custom respects the action ; habit, the actor. 
By custom we mean the frequent repetition of the same act ; by 
habit, the effect which that repetition produces on the mind or 
body. By the custom of walking often in the street, one acquires 
a habit of idleness. 

Surprised, astonished, amazed, confounded. — I am surprised, 
with what is new or unexpected ; I am astonished at what is vast 
or great ; I am amazed, with what is incomprenensible ; I am 
confounded, by what is shocking or terrible. 

Desist, renounce, quit, leave off. — Each of these words implies 
some pursuit or object relinquished, but from different motives. 
"We desist, from the difficulty of accomplishing; we renounce, on 
account of the disagree ableness of the object or pursuit ; we quit, 
for the sake of some other thing which interests us more; and we 



232 SYNONYMES, OR 

leave off, because we are weary of the design, A politician de- 
sists from his designs, when he finds they are impracticable ; he 
renounces the court, because he has been affronted by it ; he quits 
ambition for study in retirement ; and leaves off his attendance on 
the great, as he becomes old and weary of it. 

Pride, vanity. — Pride makes us esteem ourselves ; vanity makes 
us desire the esteem of others. It is just to say, as Dean Swift 
lias done, that a man may be too proud to be vain. 

Haughtiness, disdain. — Haughtiness is founded upon the high 
opinion we entertain of ourselves ; disdain, on the low opinion 
we have of others. 

To distinguish, to separate. — "We distinguish what we want not 
to confound with another thing ; we separate what we want to 
remove from it. Objects are distinguished from one another by 
their qualities. They are separated, by the distance of time or 
place. 

To weary, to fatigue. — The continuance of the same thing 
wearies us ; labour fatigues us. I am weary with standing ; I 
am fatigued with walking. A suitor wearies us by his persever- 
ance ; fatigues us by his importunity. 

To abhor, to detest. — To abhor, imports simply strong dislike ; 
to detest, imports also strong disapprobation. One abhors being 
in debt ; he detests treachery. 

To invent, to discover. — We invent things that are new; we 
discover what was before hidden. Galileo invented the telescope ; 
Harvey discovered the circulation of the blood. 

Only, alone. — Only, imports that there is no other of the same 
kind ; alone, imports being accompanied by no other. An only 
child, is one who has neither brother nor sister ; a child alone is 
one who is left by itself. There is a difference, therefore, in pre- 
cise language betwixt these two phrases: " Virtue only makes us 
happy;" and, "Virtue alone makes us happy." "Virtue only 
makes us happy," imports that nothing else can do it. " Virtue 
alone makes us happy," imports that virtue, by itself, or unaccom- 
panied with other advantages, is sufficient to do it. 

Entire, complete. — A thing is entire by wanting none of its 
parts ; complete by wanting none of the appendages that belong 
to it. A man may have an entire house to himself ; and yet not 
have one complete apartment. 

Tranquillity, peace, calm. — Tranquillity respects a situation 
free from trouble, considered in itself ; peace, the same situation 
with respect to any causes that might interrupt it; calm, with 
regard to a disturbed situation going before, or following it. A 
good man enjoys tranquillity in himself, peace with others, and a 
calm after a storm. 

A difficulty, an obstacle. — A difficulty embarrasses ; an obstacle 
stops us. We remove the one ; we surmount the other. Gene- 



J 



SYNONYMOUS TERMS. 233 

rally, the first expresses somewhat arising from the nature and 
circumstances of the affair ; the second, somewhat arising from a 
foreign cause. Philip found difficulty in managing the Athenians, 
from the nature of their dispositions ; but the eloquence of Demos- 
thenes was the greatest obstacle to his^designs. 

Wisdom, prudence. — Wisdom leads us to speak and act what is 
most proper; prudence prevents our speaking and acting im- 
properly. A wise man employs the most proper means for success ; 
a prudent man, the safest means for not being brought into danger. 

Enough, sufficient. — Enough relates to the quantity which one 
wishes to have of anything ; sufficient relates to the use that is to 
be made of it. Hence, enough generally imports a greater quan- 
tity than sufficient does. The covetous man never has enough, 
although he has what is sufficient for nature. 

To avow, to acknowledge, to confess. — Each of these words 
imports the affirmation of a fact, but in very different circum- 
stances. To avow, supposes the person to glory in it ; to acknow- 
ledge, supposes some small degree of f aultiness, which the acknow- 
ledgment compensates ; to confess, supposes a higher degree of 
crime. A patriot avows his opposition to a bad minister, and is 
applauded ; a gentleman acknowledges his mistake, and is for- 
given; a prisoner confesses the crime he is accused of, and is 
punished. 

To remark, to observe. — We remark, in the way of attention, 
in order to remember ; we observe, in the way of examination, in 
order to judge. A traveller remarks the most striking objects he 
sees ; a general observes all the motions of his enemy. 

Equivocal, ambiguous. — An equivocal expression is one which 
lias one sense open, and designed to be understood ; another sense 
concealed, and understood only by the person who uses it. An 
ambiguous expression is one which has apparently two senses, and 
kaves us at a loss which of them to give it. An equivocal ex- 
pression is used with an intention to deceive ; an ambiguous one, 
when it is used with design, is, with an intention not to give full 
information. An honest man will never employ an equivocal 
expression; a confused man may often utter ambiguous ones, 
without any design. I shall only give one instance more. 

With, by. — Both these particles express the connexion between 
some instrument, or means of effecting an end, and the agent who 
employs it ; but with expresses a more close and immediate con- 
nexion ; by, a more remote one. We kill a man with a sword ; 
he dies by violence. The criminal is bound with ropes by the 
executioner. The proper distinction in the use of those particles 
is elegantly marked in a passage of Dr. Robertson's History of 
Scotland. When one of the old Scottish kings was making an 
inquiry into the tenure by which his nobles held their lands, they 
Started up and drew their swords : "By these," said they, "we 



234 SYNONYMES, OR 

acquired our lands, and with these we will defend them/' "By 
these we acquired our lands," signifies the more remote means of 
acquisition by force and martial deed ; and, " with these we will 
defend them," signifies the immediate, direct instrument, the 
sword, which they would employ in their defence. 

" These are instances of words in our language, which, by 
careless writers, are apt to be employed as perfectly synony- 
mous, and yet are not so. Their significations approach, but are 
not precisely the same. The more the distinction in the meaning 
of such words is weighed and attended to, the more clearly and 
forcibly shall we speak or write." 

The illustrations in the preceding extract will, 
as Ave said before, form an excellent introduction to 
the study of English synonymes. The following 
list will furnish the teacher with materials for 
exercises or lessons on the subject, as recom- 
mended in page 230, and in the subjoined note — 
for, generally speaking, it will be found that the 
etymology of a word leads to its true meaning and 
proper applications. The pupils should, therefore, 
be required to give, when ascertainable, the etymo- 
logy of the synonymes in each of the prescribed 
lessons; and, also, instances of their appropriate 
applications. But before the pupils enter upon this 
subject, they should be quite familiar ivith the general 
principles of Etymology, as already given. See 
pages 54, 98, 143, &c. ; and also the author's 
" Dictionary of Derivations. " 



SYNONYMOUS TEEMS. 235 

SYNONYMOUS TEEMS, 

(To be explained as recommended in the preceding page.) 

Abandon 2 Abdicate 3 Abettor* Abhor 

Desert Resign Accessary Abominate 

Forsake Relinquish Accomplice Detest 

1 Though there are seldom more than two or three words synony- 
mous in meaning, yet, in several cases, there are four, five, and 
sometimes even more. We shall not, however, give more nor less 
than three. When there are more, the teacher should either elicit 
them from the pupils, or suggest them himself. We have only space 
for a few introductory notes. 

2 Abandon is to give up entirely ; to give up as lost. Mariners 
abandon their ship at sea when they have lost all hopes of being able 
to bringher into port. Persons lostto virtue abandon themselves to 
vice and profligacy. Desert properly means to give up or leave a 
station which it was our duty to defend ; and hence it implies to give 
up treacherously or meanly. Soldiers who abscond from their regi- 
ments, are said to desert, and are called deserters. Politicians who 
leave their party when their support is most required are also said 
to desert. Forsake etymologically means not to seek, or to seek no 
longer ; and hence it came to signify to give up or leave through 
resentment or dislike. Like desert it often implies treachery or 
meanness — but not to the same extent — as when we/orsa&e persons 
who are entitled to our services or protection. '* Then all the disci- 
ples forsook Him and fled." " Forsake me not, O Adam I' 1 — A bird 
is said to forsake its nest, when it observes that it has been disco- 
vered. In this case abandon would be more appropriate. When a 
person leaves his house at the approach of a victorious enemy, he is 
said to abandon, not to forsake it, or desert it. It should also be ob- 
served that abandon is often an involuntary or necessary act; and 
in such cases it is, consequently, free from blame. But, on the 
contrary, desert and forsake are voluntary or optional acts, and 
are therefore censurable. The meaning common to each of these 
words is, to give up or leave. 

3Abdicate,re3ign,relinquis7i.-Thegeneralme2Lmngofthese\YOYds 
is the same, namely, to give up ; but, as is the case with most 
synonymes,they have each peculiar and appropriate applications ; 
as, to abdicate a throne ; to resign an office ; to relinquish a, claim. 

4 Abettor, accessary, accomplice. — An abettor is one that abets or 
incites anotherto the commission of a wrong or unlawful act. Acces- 
sary from the Latin accedo (accessus) , to go to, to accede to, is one 
that advises to, assists in, or conceals a felonious act, and who there 



236 


SYNO^mtES, OR 




Abilityi 

Capacity 

Talent 


Absorb 
Swallow up 
Engross 


Abusive 

Reproachful 

Scurrilous 


Accommodate 

Adjust 

Suit 


Abjure 

Renounce 

Recant 


Abstain 
Forbear 
Refrain 


Accede 
Comply 
Acquiesce 


Accomplish 

Fulfil 

Complete 


Abridge 

Curtail 

Shorten 


Abstemious 
Temperate 
Sober 


Accelerate 

Quicken 

Hasten 


Accomplished 

Finished 

Completed 


Abridgments 
Compendium 
Epitome 


Absurd 

Preposterous 

Irrational 


Accident 

Chance 

Casualty 


Accost 

Salute 
Address 


Absolute 

Arbitrary 

Despotic 


Abuse 

Reproach 

Revile 


Accidental 

Casual 

Fortuitous 


Account 

Narrative 

Description 



fore participates in the guilt of it. Accomplice (from the Latin ad, 
con, and plico, through the French) is a person implicated with 
another or others, in the execution of a plot. Abettors encourage, 
accessaries assist, accomplices execute. The abettor and accessary 
may be one and the same person, but not so the accessary and 
accomplice. 

i Ability, capacity, talent. — The chief distinction between ability 
and capacity is, that the former is active in its signification, the latt er 
passive. The one implies power to do or execute ; the other power 
to take in, conceive, or comprehend. Thus we might say, " The" 
execution of the work was beyond his ability — nay, he had not suffi- 
cient capacity of mind to comprehend how it should be done." 
Ability is either physical or mental ; capacity is always mental. 
Talent properly means a weight or sum of money ; but in modern 
languages (from the " Parable of the Talents ") it is used to signify 
a natural gift — a faculty or power , as a talent for learning languages. 

2 Abridgment, &c. — An abridgment is the reduction of a work 
into a smaller compass. Thus a work of three volumes has been 
often abridged into one. An abridgment gives all the substance of 
a work or writing, but in fewer words. A compendium (from con, 
together, and pendo, to weigh) denotes that which is collected 
from weighing or considering several things together; and hence 
it came to signify a concise view of any science, as a " Compen- 
dium of Logic." Epitome is a Greek word (from epi, upon, and 
temno, to cut), with much the same meaning as abridgment; as 
an " Epitome of the History of England." Compare the word 
concise* with epitome. 

a Concise is derived from the Latin con and caedo (caesus), to cut 





SYNONYMOUS TERMS. 


237 


Account 
Reckoning 
| Bill 


Actual 

Real 

Positive 


Adjourn 

Prorogue 

Postpone 


Air 
Mien 

Look 


Account 

Sake 

Reason 


Actuate 

Induce 

Impel 


Admit 
Allow 
Grant 


Alleviate 
Mitigate 
Relieve 


Accountable 
Responsible 
Answerable 


Acute 
Sharp 
Keen 


Admission 

Admittance 

Access 


Allot 
Apportion 

Assign 


Accumulate 
Heap up 

Amass 


Adage 
Proverb 

Aphorism 


Adorn 

Decorate 

Beautify 


Alter 

Change 
Vary 


Accurate 

Exact 

Precise 


Add 
Join 
Unite 


Adroit 

Dexterous 

Clever 


Ambassador 

Envoy 

Plenipotentiary 


Achieve 

Accomplish 

Perform 


Address 

Direction 

Superscription 


Advantageous 
Beneficial 

P portable 


Ample 
Plentiful 

Abundant 


Achievement 

Exploit 
Eeat 


Address 

Adroitness 

Dexterity 


Adversary 
Opponent 
Antagonist 


Ancient 

Antiquated 

Antique 


Acid 
Sour 
Tart 


Adduce 
Bring forward 
Advance 


Affinity 

Consanguinity 
Relationship 


Animate 
Enliven 
Inspire 


Acquire 

Obtain 
Gain 


Adequate 

Commensurate 
Sufficient 


Affirm 
Assert 
Aver 


Annals 
Chromel'_ = 
Records 


Acrimony 

Bitterness 
Harshness 


Adhere 
Stick 
Cleave to 


Affix 

Attach 

Annex 


Announce 

Proclaim 

Declare 


Act 
Action 

Deed 


Adherent 
Follower 
Partisan 


Agreement 

Contract 

Covenant 


Answer 
Reply 

Response 


Active 
Quick 
Kimble 


Adjacent 

Adjoining 

Contiguous 


Aim 
View 

Design 


Anxiety 

Perplexity 

Solicitude 



238 



SYKONYMES, Oil 



Apparition 

Spectre 

Phantom 


Association 

Society 

Company 


Behaviour 

Conduct 

Demeanour 


Boundaries 

Limits 

Confines 


Apathy- 
Insensibility 
Indifference 


Assurance 
Confidence 
Effrontery 


Behead 

Decapitate 

Guillotine 


Bounty 

Generosity 
Liberality 


Appear 

Look 

Seem 


Augmentation 

Increase 

Addition 


Behold 

View 

Observe 


Brace 

Couple 

Pair 


Apprehend 

Seize 

Catch 


Avarice 

Covetousness 
Cupidity 


Binding 

Obligatory 
Compulsory 


Brave 

Courageous 

Valiant 


Apprehend 

Fear 

Dread 


Baffle 

Balk 

Frustrate 


Biamable 
Culpable 
Reprehensible 


Brave 

Dare 

Defy 


Apprehend 

Conceive 

Imagine 


Banish 

Exile 
Expatriate 


Bleeding 

Phlebotomy 

Venesection 


Brittle 

Frangible 

Fragile 


Artifice 

Trick 

Stratagem 


Barbarian 

Savage 

Uncivilized 


Blend 
Mix 

Mingle 


Building 
Structure 
Edifice 


Artificer 
Artisan 
Mechanic 


Barren 
Sterile 
Unfruitful 


Blot out 

Obliterate 

Erase 


Bud 

Germinate 
Sprout 


Ascribe 

Attribute 

Impute 


Basis 

Foundation 

Groundwork 


Bodily 

Corporeal 

Corporal 


Bulk 

Size 

Magnitude 


Assail 

Assault 

Attack 


Bear 
Carry 
Convey 


Bog 
Fen 
Marsh 


Burdensome 

Weighty 

Onerous 


Assemble 

Muster 

Collect 


Bear 

Endure 

Suffer 


Border 
Margin 
Verge 


Bury 
Inter 
Entomb 


Associate 

Companion 

Partner 


Beautiful 

Pretty 

Handsome 


Boundless 
Unlimited 
Infinite 


Cabal 
Clique 
Junto 






SYNONYMOUS TERMS. 



239 



Calling 

Vocation 

Profession 


Choleric 

Passionate 

Irascible 


Competent 

Qualified 

Fitted 


Contemptible 

Despicable 

Paltry 


Carnage 

Massacre 

Slaughter 


Civility 

Politeness 

Urbanity 


Complexity 

Complication 

Intricacy 


Contemptuous 

Disdainful 

Scornful 


Carriage 
Bearing 
Deportment 


Clear 
Lucid 
Perspicuous 


Compound 

Mixture 

Medley 


Conversation 

Colloquy 

Conference 


Cast down 

Dejected 

Depressed 


Cloak 

Palliate 

Screen 


Conceit 

Fancy 

Imagination 


Convivial 

Jovial 

Social 


Celebrated 

Famous 

Renowned 


Close 
Shut 
Conclude 


Conciliate 
Propitiate 
Reconcile 


Contrivance 

Device 

Scheme 


Changeable 

Mutable 

Variable 


Clothes 

Garments 

Dress 


Conclusion 

Inference 

Deduction 


Convention 

Congress 

Convocation 


Cheat 

Defraud 

Trick 


Colleague 

Partner 

Associate 


Conclusive 

Decisive 

Convincing 


Copy 

Model 
Pattern 


Check 

Curb 

Control 


Colours 
Ensign 
Flag 


Concord 

Harmony 

Unity 


Crafty 

Cunning 

Artful 


Chide 

Rebuke 

Reprimand 


Commodious 

Convenient 

Suitable 


Confute 

Refute 

Disprove 


Cross 

Perverse 

Froward 


Cherish 
Nourish 
Foster 


Common 
Ordinary 
Vulgar 


Console 

Solace 

Comfort 


Cross 

Thwart 

Obstruct 


Childish 

Boyish 

Puerile 


Communicate 

Impart 

Disclose 


Constant 

Continual 

Perpetual 


Curious 

Inquisitive 

Prying 


Choke 

Suffocate 

Smother 


Compensation 

Recompense 

Remuneration 


Contemplate 

Meditate 

Ponder 


Curse 

Imprecation 

Anathema 



240 



SYNONYMES, OR 



Dangerous 

Perilous 

Hazardous 


Design 

Purpose 

Intent 


Effort 

Exertion 

Endeavour 


Emulation 

Rivalry 

Competition 


Dead 

Lifeless 
Inanimate 


Design 

Plan 

Project 


Elderly 
Old 

Aged 


Essay 

Dissertation 

Treatise 


Decay 

Decline 

Consumption 


Discernment 

Discrimination 

Penetration 


Emblem 
Symbol 
Type 


Essay 
Try 

Attempt 


Deceive 
Delude 
Impose upon 


Disembodied 

Incorporeal 

Spiritual 


Empty 
Vacant 
Void 


Esteem 

Value 

Prize 


Decency 
Decorum 
Propriety 


Disengage 

Disentangle 

Extricate 


Encomium 

Eulogy 

Panegyric 


Estimate 
Compute 
Rate 


Decided 

Determined 

Resolute 


Distinguished 

Conspicuous 

Illustrious 


End 

Termination 

Extremity 


Excess 

Superfluity 
Redundancy 


Decree 

Edict 

Proclamation 


Divide 

Separate 

Part 


End 

Finish 

Terminate 


Excessive 

Immoderate 

Intemperate 


Deface 

Disfigure 

Deform 


Earthly 

Worldly 

Terrestrial 


Endurance 
Sufferance 
Toleration 


Exigency 

Emergency 

Necessity 


Defect 

Imperfection 

Blemish 


Ecstasy 
Rapture 
Transport 


Enlarge 
Increase 
Extend 


Extraneous 

Extrinsic 

Foreign 


Delegate Education 
Deputy Instruction 
Representative Tuition 


Enlighten 
Illuminate 
Illumine 


Face 

Countenance 

Visage 


Disown 

Disavow 

Disclaim 


Effect 
Result 
Consequence 


Enmity 

Animosity 

Hostility 


Faithless 

Perfidious 

Treacherous 


Derive 
Deduce 
Trace 


Effectual 
Effective 
Efficacious 


Enthusiast 

Visionary 

Fanatic 


Fame 

Renown 

Reputation 



SYNONYMOUS TERMS. 



241 



Fame 

Report 

Rumour 


Fit out 

Equip 

Prepare 


Frolic 
Prank 
Gambol 


Harsh 

Rigorous 

Severe 


Fanciful 

Imaginative 

Ideal 


Flattery 

Adulation 

Sycophancy 


Fulness 

Repletion 

Satiety 


Haste 
Hurry 
Precipitancy 


Farewell 
Good-bye 
Adieu 


Flexible 

Pliable 

Supple 


Gentile 

Heathen 

Pagan 


Hasten 

Speed 

Accelerate 


Fearful 

Timid 

Timorous 


Flock 
Herd 
Drove 


Gift 

Donation 

Present 


Hazard 

Risk 

Venture 


Fearful 

Formidable 

Terrible 


Form 

Figure 

Shape 


Grave 

Serious 

Solemn 


Head 
Chief 
Principal 


Feign 

Pretend 

Dissemble 


Forbid 

Prohibit 

Interdict 


Grave 

Sepulchre 

Tomb 


Healthy 

Salubrious 

Wholesome 


Fervour 
Ardour 
Zeal 


Force 

Vigour 

Energy 


Greatness 
Grandeur 
Magnificence 


Heavy 

Ponderous 

Weighty 


Fiction 

Fabrication 

Falsehood 


Forefathers 

Ancestors 

Progenitors 


Guess 

Conjecture 

Surmise 


Hide 
Conceal 

Secrete 


Final 

Conclusive 

Decisive 


Forerunner 

Precursor 

Harbinger 


Guide 

Lead 

Conduct 


Hint 

Intimation 

Suggestion 


Find out 

Detect 
Discover 


Foretel 

Predict 
Prognosticate 


Happiness 

Felicity 

Bliss 


Hire 

Salary 

"Wages 


Firm 
Solid 
Stable 


Found 

Establish 
Institute >. 


Hardened 
Obdurate 
Unfeeling 


Hopeless 
Desperate 
Forlorn 


Fit 

Apt 
Meet 


Frank 

Candid 

Ingenuous 


Harass 

Distress 
Perplex 


Huge 
Vast 

Enormous 
L 



242 



SYNONYMES, OE 



Idea 

Notion 

Conception 


Lean 

Meagre 

Thin 


Necessary 
Requisite 
Essential 


Overturn 

Overthrow 

Subject 


Imminent 

Impending 

Threatening 


Lean 

Incliue 

Bend 


Negligent 

Careless 

Heedless 


Outside 
Surface 
Superficies 


Importance 

Consequence 

Moment 


Learning 
Erudition 
Literature 


New 

Fresh 

Recent 


Outward 
Exterior 
External 


Inconsistent 
Incongruous 
Incoherent 


Leave 

Liberty 

Permission 


News 

Tidings 

Intelligence 


Pace 
Step 
Degree 


Inborn 
Innate 
Inherent 


Liveliness 

Animation 

Vivacity 


Notorious 

Noted 

Well-known 


Painting 

Picture 

Portrait 


Ineffectual 

Fruitless 

Vain 


Madness 
Insanity 
Phrenzy 


Odd 

Singular 

Strange 


Pale 

Pallid 

Wan 


Infringement 

Infraction 

Violation 


Martial 
Warlike 
Military 


Offer 

Propose 

Tender 


Part 
Portion 

Share 


Interpose 
Interfere 
Intermeddle 


Mistake 

Error 

Blunder 


Offering 
Oblation 
Gift 


Partake 

Participate 

Share 


Justice 
Equity 
Bight 


Mishap 

Mischance 

Casualty 


Omen 

Prognostic 

Presage 


Pellucid 

Transparent 

Clear 


Kingly 

Regal 

Royal 


Modest 
Bashful 
Diffident 


Origin 

Beginning 

Source 


Penetrate 

Pierce 

Perforate 


Kind 
Sort 
Species 


Mutual 

Reciprocal 

Alternate 


Overbalance 

Outweigh 

Preponderate 


Penetration 

Acuteness 

Sagacity 


Last 

Final 

Ultimate 


Name 

Appellation 

Title 


Overbearing 

Domineering 

Imperious 


People 
Populace 

Mob 



: 






SYNONYMOUS TEKMS. 



243 



Perceive 

Discern 

Distinguish 


Preliminary 
Preparatory 
Introductory 


Rapacious 
Ravenous 
Voracious 


Restitution 
Reparation 
Amends 


Pity 

Compassion 

Sympathy 


Primary 

Primitive 

Original 


Rapine 

Plunder 

Pillage 


Retribution 
Recompense 
Requital 


Polite 

Polished 

Refined 


Privacy 

Retirement 

Seclusion 


Rashness 
Temerity 
Precipitancy 


Revile 
Vilify 
Upbraid 


Position 
Posture 
Attitude 


Production 

Produce 

Product 


Ratify 

Confirm 

Sanction 


Riches 
Wealth 
Opulence 


Possessor 

Owner 

Proprietor 


Progress 

Proficiency 

Improvement 


Recede 
Retire 
Retreat 


Riot 

Uproar 

Tumult 


Powerful 

Potent 

Mighty 


Prorogue 
Adjourn 
Postpone 


Reckon 

Count 
Compute 


Robust 

Stout 

Strong 


Praise 

Commend 

Eulogize 


Put in order 

Arrange 

Dispose 


Refuse 
Reject 
Decline 


Root out 
Eradicate 
Extirpate 


Praiseworthy 
Commendable 
Laudable 


Prudence 
Foresight 
Wisdom 


Relation 
Relative 
Kinsman 


Rot 

Putrefy 

Corrupt 


Pressing 

Urgent 

Importunate 


Quack 

Mountebank 

Charlatan 


Repeat 

Recite 

Rehearse 


Round 

Globular 

Spherical 


Presumptive 

Presumptuous 

Presuming 


Querulous 

Peevish 

Fretful 


Reproach 

Contumely 

Obloquy 


Sanguinary 

Bloody 

Cruel 


Pretence 

Pretext 

Excuse 


Question 

Query 

Interrogation 


Rest 

Remainder 
Residue 


Scatter 

Disperse 

Dissipate 


Predominant 

Ruling 

Prevailing 


Race 

Lineage 

Pedigree 


Rest 

Cessation 

Intermission 


Secular 

Temporal 

Worldly 

L2 



2U 



SYXOXYJIKS, OR 



Sedulous 
Diligent 
Assiduous 


Skin 
Rind 
Peel 


State Term 
Realm Limit 
Commonwealth Boundary 


Separate 

Sever 

Disjoin 


Slow 

Dilatory 

Tardy 


Straight 

Right 
Direct 


Thick 
Dense 
Compact 


Servant 

Domestic 

Menial 


Smell 
Scent 
Odour 


Stranger 

Foreigner 

Alien 


Thin 

Slender 

Slight 


Servitude 

Slavery 

Bondage 


Smooth 

Level 

Plain 


Strengthen 

Fortify 

Invigorate 


Thoughtful 
Considerate 
Deliberate 


Shake 

Agitate 

Toss 


Solitary 
Lonely 
Desolate 


Surround 

Encompass 

Environ 


Thrift 

Frugality 

Economy 


Shift 

Subterfuge 

Evasion 


Solitary 

Sole 

Single 


Sustain 
Support 
Maintain 


Timely 

Seasonable 

Opportune 


Show 

Display 

Exhibit 


Special 
Specific 
Particular 


Take 

Receive 

Accept 


Trade 

Commerce 

Traftic 


Show 

Ostentation 

Parade 


Speech 
Oration 
Harangue 


Talkativeness 

Loquacity 

Garrulity 


Transfigure 

Transform 

Metamorphc 


Signification 

Meaning 

Import 


Speech 

Language 

Tongue 


Tax 

Impost 
Rate 


Trembling 

Tremor 

Trepidation 


Simile 

Similitude 

Comparison 


Spurious 

Supposititious 

Counterfeit 


Tease 

Annoy 

Yex 


Trial 

Experiment 
Test 


Simpleton 

Natural 

Idiot 


Stagger 

Reel 

Totter 


Transient 

Transitory 

Fleeting 


Trivial 
Trifling 
Frivolous 


Sketch 

Outline 

Delineation 


Stain 
Sully 
Tarnish 


Tendency 

Drift 

Aim 


Trouble 
Disturb 
Molest 



SYNONYMOUS TERMS. 



245 



Tumultuous 
Tumultuary 
Turbulent 


Utter 

Articulate 

Pronounce 


Way 
Road 
Route 


Wise 

Prudent 

Discreet 


Turgid 
Tumid 
Bombastic 


Valuable 
Precious 
Costly 


Way 

Method 

Manner 


Womanish 
Effeminate 
Feminine 


Unbelief 

Incredulity 

Infidelity 


Value 
Worth 
Price 


Wayward 
Fro ward 

Perverse 


Wonder 

Admiration 

Surprise 


Undervalue 

Disparage 

Depreciate 


Vicinity 
Suburbs 
Environs 


Weaken 
Enfeeble 
Debilitate 


Wonder 
Miracle 
Marvel 


Understanding 

Intellect 

Mind 


Violent 

Vehement 

Impetuous 


Wearisome 

Tiresome 

Irksome 


Work 

Labour 

Toil 


Unfold 

Unravel 

Develop 


Vote 

Suffrage 

Voice 


Weariness 
Lassitude 
Fatigue 


World 
Earth 
Globe 


Unimportant 
Insignificant 
Inconsiderable 


Wakeful 
Watchful 
Vigilant 


Weight 

Heaviness 

Gravity 


Worth 
Desert 
Merit 


Unoffending 

Inoffensive 

Harmless 


Want 
Indigence 

Necessity 


Well-being 

Welfare 

Prosperity 


Worthy 

Estimable 

Valuable 


Unruly 

Ungovernable 

Refractory 


Want 
Lack 

Need 


Wilful 

Headstrong 

Testy 


Worship 

Adore 

Venerate 


Unspeakable 
Unutterable 
Ineffable 


Warn 

Caution 

Admonish 


Whim 
Freak 
Caprice 


Youthful 
Juvenile 
Boyish 


Unworthy 
Worthless 
Valueless 


Wave 
Billow 
Breaker 


Whole 
Entire 
Total 


Zealous 
Ardent 
Warm 


Uprightness 

Rectitude 

Integrity 


Waver 

Fluctuate 

Vacillate 


Willingly 

Voluntarily 

Spontaneously 


Zone 

Girdle 

Belt 



246 



SPECIMEN'S OF WHAT MIGHT BE CALLED 
DUPLICATE WORDS. 

The following pairs of words, whicli are strikingly 
synonymous, illustrate the mixed character of the 
English language. One of the words in each pair is 
of English or Anglo-Saxon origin,. the other is from 
the Latin. 



Begin 
Commence 


Choice . 
Option 


Friendly 
Amicable 


Live 

Exist 


Bequeath 
Devise 


Corner 
Angle 


Fulness 
Plenitude 


Lively 
Animated 


Binding 
Obligatory 


Dark 
Obscure 


Fulness 
Repletion 


Lucky 
Fortunate 


Bitterness 
Acrimony 


Die 

Expire 


Happen 
Chance 


Miiky 
Lacteal 


Bloody 
Sanguinary 


Earthly 
Terrestrial 


Heavenly 
Celestial 


Motherly 
Maternal 


Bodily 
Corporeal 


Eastern 
Oriental 


Hinder 
Prevent 


Odd 

Singular 


Boyish 
Puerile 


Enliven 
Animate 


Inside 
Interior 


Opening 
Aperture 


Boundaries 
Confines 


Enough 
Sufficient 


Keeping 
Custody 


Overflow 
Inundate 


Breed 
Engender 


Errand 

Message 


Kingly 
Regal 


Outlive 
Survive 


Brotherly i 
Fraternal 


Fellowship Lean 
Companionship Meagre 


Outside 
Exterior 


Childhood 
Infancy 


Freedom 
Liberty 


Likely 
Probable 


Outward 
External 






i Brotherly. — Some of the words considered as of Anglo-Saxon 
origin may be traced to Latin or Greek roots 



ON THE CHOICE OP PREPOSITIONS. 



217 



Overall 
Surtout 


Teachable 
Docile 


Unspeakable 
Ineffable 


Will 
Volition 


Overseer 
Inspector 


Thick 
Dense 


Unutterable 
Inexpressible 


Will 

Testament 


Owing 
Due 


Threat 
Menace 


Unwilling 
Involuntary 


Witness 
Testify 


Shepherd 
Pastor 


Thoughtful 
Pensive 


Uprightness 
Rectitude 


Woman 
Female 


Shock 
Concussion 


Timely 
Seasonable 


"Want 

Necessity 


Womanly 
Effeminate 


Shun 

Avoid 


Time-serving 
Temporizing 


Waver 

Fluctuate 


Wonderful 
Marvellous 


Step 
Pace 


Truth 

Verity 


Watery 
Aqueous 


Woody 
Sylvan 


Straight 
Right 


Sorrowful 
Tristful 


Weaken 
Invalidate 


Wordy 
Verbose 


Sweat 
Perspire 


Understand 
Comprehend 


Weapons 
Arms 


Worth 
Value 


Tasteless 
Insipid 


Understanding 
Intellect 


Weep 
Deplore 


Worthless 
Valueless 



OX THE CHOICE OF PKEPOSITTOSTS. 



Certain words and phrases in English require par- 
ticular or appropriate prepositions after them ; as — 



Abstain from. 
Allude to. 
Comply with. 
Confide in. 
Partake of. 



Abhorrence of 
Accordance with. 
According to. 
Averse to. 1 
Deficient in. 



Astonished at. 
Dependent on. 
Independent of. 
Different from. 
Indifferent to. 



i A verse.— According to etymology, this word should herefrom 
after it, and not to ; and Milton has so written it (P. L. viii. 138 ; 
and ix. 67) ; but the idiom of our language requires "averse to." 



248 



Oft THE CHOICE OF PREPOSITIONS. 



We have only space for a 
writer's English Grammar, 
more fully explained. 

Abide in the land. 

Abide at a place. 

Abide with a person. 

Abide by an opinion (that is, 
to maintain it). 

Abide by a person (that is, to 
stand by, or support him). 

Abide for (wait for).* 

Accept of the offer ; 2 but now 
usually without the preposi- 
tion ; as " I accept the offer." 

Accommodate to (to fit or adapt 
to) ; as, we ought to accom- 
modate ourselves to our cir- 
cumstances. 

Accommodate with (to supply or 
furnish with) ; as, to accom- 
modate a person with apart- 
ments. 



few examples ; but in the 
page 176, the subject is 



Accompanied by his friends. 

Accompanied w^/ithe following 
conditions (in connexion with). 

Accord to (to concede to). 

Accord with? (to agree with). 

Accused o/a crime. 

Accused by any one. 

Admonished by a superior (re- 
primanded) ; admonished of 
a fault committed (reproved 
for) ; admonished against 
committing a fault (warned). 

Adjourned at six o'clock. 

Adjourned to Friday next. 

Adjourned for six weeks. 

Advantage o/a good education. 

Advantage of or over a person. 

Agree with another. 4 

Agree to a proposal. 



EXAMPLES FOU EXERCISE. 

Name the prepositions which should he used after the following 
vjords. 

Abound, acquiesce, adapt, adequate, affinity, angry, 
antipathy, arrive, assent, avert, blush, border, call, 
coalesce, compare, compatible, concur, confer, con- 
cerned, conformable, conformity, contrast, conversant, 
devolve, dwell, emerge, endued, exasperated, &c. 



1 Abide, in a transitive sense, or without a preposition, means 
to bear, or endure ; as, I cannot abide his impertinence. 

2 " Peradventure he will accept o/me." — Gen. xxxii. 20. 

s Accord. — Without a preposition, accord means to adjust, or 
make to agree. 

4 To agree about, upon, or for a thing, means to agree with 
another person or persons regarding it. 



249 

LATIN AND GREEK WQRDS AND PHRASES 
EXPLAINED. 



A cruce (kruce) salus, salva- 
tion from the cross. 

Ab urbe condlta, from the build- 
ing of the city. 

A fortiori, with stronger reason. 

A mensa et tlioro, from bed and 
board, a divorce. 

A posteriori, from a posterior 
reason ; an argument from 
the effect to the cause. 

A priori, from a prior reason; 
from the cause to the effect. 

Ab initio, from the beginning. 

Ad absurdum, showing the ab- 
surdity of a contrary opinion. 

Ad arbit'riuui, at will. 

Ad captan'dum vulgus, to catch 
or attract the rabble. 

Adden'duni, pi. Addenda, to be 
added ; additions to a book ; 
an appendix. 

Ad eundem (e-un'-dem), to the 
same ; to a like degree. 

Ad infinitum, to infinity ; with- 
out end. 

Ad Grsecaskalendas, never — the 
Greeks having no kalends. 

Ad libitum, at pleasure. 

Ad referendum, to be referred 
to or considered again. 

Ad valorem, in proportion to 
the value. 

Afflatus, Divine inspiration. 

Agen'da, things to be done. 

Alias, otherwise. 

Alibi, elsewhere. 

Alma Mater, a benign mother ; 
a term applied to the univer- 
sity where one was educated. 



Anath'ema, Gr., an ecclesiasti- 
cal curse. 

Anglice, in English. 

Anno Domini (a. d.), in the 
year of our Lord. 

Anno mundi, in the year of the 
world. 

Ante meridiem (a. m.) before 
noon. 

Anthropophagi, (Jr., man-eat- 
ers; cannibals. 

Apex, pi. Apices, the top or 
angular point ; the top of any 
thing. 

Aqua (a'-kwa), water. * 

Aqua fortis. nitric acid, literally 
strong water. 

Auua-tinta, a kind of engraving 
imitating drawings made with 
Indian ink or bistre. 

Aut Caesar ant nullus, he will 
be Caesar or nobody. 

Aqua vitae, eau-de-vie or brandy. 

Arcana imperii, state secrets. 

Argumentum ad hom'inem, an 
argument to the man. 

Argumentum baculinum, the ar- 
gument of the cudgel ; club 
law. 

Armiger, one bearing arms; a 
gentleman. 

Asafcetida, a fetid gum-resin 
brought from the East Indies. 

Audi alteram partem, hear the 
other party. 

Bona ride, in good faith. 

Boreas, the north wind. 

Brutum fulmen, a nannies 
thunderbolt. 

l3 



250 



LATIN AND GEEEK WORDS 



Caeteris paribus, the rest being 
alike ; other circumstances 
being equal. 

CacWthes scribendi (a bad 
habit), an iteh for writing. 

Cac'oe^thes loquen'di, an itch 
for speaking. 

Camera obscura, an optical ma- 
chine by which, as in a 
darkened chamber, external 
objects are exhibited. 

Capias, a writ of execution; 
literally, take thou. 

Caput mortuum, the worthless 
remains. 

Caret, this mark (a), to denote 
that sornethinghas been omit- 
ted or is wanting. 

Caveat, a kind of process in law 
to stop proceedings; a caution. 

Chiragra (ki-ra'-gra), Gfr., gout 
in the hand. 

Cognomen, a surname, a family 
name. 

Com'posmen tis, of sound mind. 

Con'tra, against ; contrary to. 

Cor'nueo'pia,the horn of plenty. 

Corrigen'da, things or words to 
be corrected. 

Cui bono? to what good or 
benefit will it tend ? 

Cum privilegio, with privilege. 

Curren'te calamo, with a run- 
ning pen. 

Custos rotulo'rum, keeper of the 
rolls or records. 

Data, things granted. 

De facto, in fact or reality. 

Deficit, a want or deficiency, 

Dei gratia, by the grace of God. 

De jure, in law or right. 

Dele, blot out or erase. 

Delta, the Greek letter A; a 
triangular tract of land to- 
wards the mouth of a river. 



De moftuis nil nisi bonum, of 
the dead say nothing except 
what is good. 

De novo, anew ; over again. 

Deo volente (d. v.), God will- 
ing or permitting. 

Desideratum, pi. Desiderata, a 
thing or things desired or 
wanted. 

Desunt csetera, the rest is 
wanted. 

Dexter, the right hand. 

Dictum, a positive assertion. 

Diluvium, a deposit of superfi- 
cial loam, sand, &c, caused 
by a deluge. 

Distringas,a writ for distraining. 

Divide et impera, divide and 
govern. 

Dramatis person ce, the charac- 
ters in a play. 

Dulia, Gr., an inferior kind of 
worship. 

Dum spiro, spero, whilst I 
breathe, I hope. 

Duo, two ; a song for two per- 
formers. 

Duodecimo (du-o-dess'-e-mo), 
applied to a book having 
twelve leaves to the sheet. 

Durante bene placito, during 
pleasure. 

Durante vita, during life. 

Ec'ce homo, behold the man. 

Ec'ce signum, behold the sign. 

E pluribus unum, one from 
many — motto of the United 
States. 

Equilibrium, equality of weight. 

Ergo, therefore. 

Erratum, pi. Errata, a mis- 
take or mistakes in printing. 

Est modus in rebus, there is a 
medium in every thing. 

Esto perpetua,mayitlastfor ever 



AND PHRASES EXPLAINED. 



251 



Et caetera, and the rest ; abbre- 
viated thus (&c.) 

Ex cathedra, from the chair. 

Excerpta, extracts from a work. 

Ex concesso, from what has 
been conceded. 

Exempli gratia, (e. g.) for ex- 
ample. 

Exeunt omnes, they all go off. 

Exit, he goes off; departure. 

Ex nihilo nihil fit, from nothing 
nothing can come. 

Ex officio, officially. 

Ex parte, on one side only. 

Ex post facto, from something 
done afterwards — as a law 
applied to an offence which 
was committed before the law 
was made. 

Ex tempore, without premedi- 
tation, off-hand. 

Exuviae, cast skins of animals. 

Facetiae (fa-ce'-she-ey), humo- 
rous compositions, witticisms. 

Fac simile (fack-sim'-e-Iy), an 
exact copy. 

Felo de se, a murderer of one's 
self, self-murder. 

Fiat experimentum in corpore 
vili, let the experiment be 
made on a worthless body. 

Fiat justitia ruat coelum, let 
justice be done though the 
heavens should fall. 

Fidelis ad urnam, faithful to 
death. 

Fieri facias (fi / -e-ri-fa"-she-ass), 
a writ to the sheriff to levy 
debt or damages. 

Finem respice, look to the end. 

Flagrante bello,during hostilities 

Flagrante delicto, during the 
commission of the crime. 

Fortiter in re, with firmness in 
acting. 



Genera, the plural of Genus. 

Habeas corpus, a writ directing 
a gaoler to have or product 
the body of a prisoner before 
the court, and to certify the 
cause of his detainer. 

Haud passibus aequis, not with 
equal steps. 

Hinc illae lachrymae, hence those 
tears. 

Hortus siccus (a dry garden), a 
collection of specimens of 
plants dried and preserved. 

Humanum est errare, it is 
human to err. 

Ibidem, in the same place. 

Idem, the same. 

Id est (i. e.), that is. 

Ignis fatuus, will-o'-the-wisp 
literally, a delusive fire. 

Imperium in imperio, a govern- 
ment within a government. 

Imprimatur, let it be printed. 

Imprimis, in the first place. 

Impromptu, without premedi- 
tation, off-hand. 

Index expurgatorius (a purify- 
ing index), a list of prohibited 
books. 

In esse, in actual existence. 

In forma pauperis, as a pauper. 

In foro conscientiae, before the 
tribunal of conscience. 

Infra dignitatem, beneath one's 
dignity. 

In limine, at the outset. 

In posse, in possible existence. 

In propria persona, in person. 

In re, in the matter or business o f 

Instanter, instantly. 

Instar omnium, an example 
which may suffice for all. 

Interim, in the meantime. 

Interregnum, the period be- 
tween two reigns. 



252 



LATIN AND GREEK WORDS 



In terrorem, as a warning. 
In toto, entirely ; wholly. 
In transitu, on the passage. 
In vino Veritas, there is truth in 

wine. 
Invita Minerva (Minerva being 

unwilling), without the aid of 

genius. 
Ipse dixit, mere assertion. 
Ipso facto, by the fact itself. 
Item, also ; an article in a bill 

or account. 
Jure divino, by divine right. 
Jure humano, by human law. 
Jus gentium, the law of nations. 
Labor omnia vincit, labor over- 
comes every thing. 
Labor ipse voluptas, the labor 

itself is a pleasure. 
Lapsus lingua?, a slip of the 

tongue. 
Laudator temporis acti,apraiser 

of old times. 
Laus Deo, praise be to God. 
Lex talionis, the law of retalia- 
tion, like for like. 
Libra, a balance ; a sign of the 

zodiac. 
Lignum vitae (literally, the 

wood of life), Guaiacum, a 

very hard wood. 
Locum tenens, holding the place 

of another; a lieutenant or 

deputy 
Lit'era scripta manet, what is 

written remains. 
Litera'tim, letter by letter; 

literally. 
Lusus naturae, a freak of nature; 

an anomalous or deformed 

offspring. 
Magna Charta (karta), the great 

charter. 
Malum prohibitum, a thing evil 

because forbidden, 



Malum in se, an evil in itself. 
Manda'mus, in law, a writ from 

a superior court ; literally, we 

command. 
Manes, departed spirits. 
Materia med'ica, substance used 

in the preparation of medicine 
Maximum, the greatest. 
Maximus in minimis, great in 

small things. 
Memento mori, remember death 
Memorabilia, things to be re- 
membered. 
Mens conscia recti, a mind con- 
scious of rectitude. 
Mens sana in corpore sano, a 

sound mind in a sound 

body. 
Meum et tuum, mine and thine. 
Minimum, the least. 
Mittimus (we send), a warrant 

for committing to prison. 
Modus operandi, the mode or 

manner of operating. 
Multum in parvo,much iii little. 
Necro'sis, Gr., mortification or 

deadness. 
Nee temere nee timide, neither 

rashly nor timidly. 
Neni'me contradicente (nem. 

con.), none opposing. 
Ne plus ultra, no farther, the 

utmost point. 
Ne quid nimis, too much of one 

thing is good for nothing. 
Ne sutor ultra crepldam, the 

shoemaker should not go 

beyond his last; persons 

should attend to their own 

business. 
Ne exeat regno, let him not 

leave the kingdom. 
Nisi prius (unless before), a 

writ beginning with these 

words. 



AND PHRASES EXPLAINED. 



253 



Nolens voicns, willing or not. 
Noli me tangere, touch me not. 
Non est inventus, lie is not 

found ; a return to a writ. 
IMon constat, it does not appear. 
Non compos mentis, out of one's 

senses, not of sane mind. 
Non obstante, notwithstanding 

anything to the contrary. 
. Nos'citur ex sociis, one is known 

by his associates. 
Nosce teipsum, know thyself. 
Nota bene (n. b.), mark well 

or attentively. 
Nunc aut nunquam, now or 

never. 
Obiter dictum, an incidental 

or casual remark. 
Omnibus, for all. 
Onus probandi, the burden of 

proof. 
Ore tenus, so far as the mouth. 
Otium cum dignitate, leisure or 

retirement with dignity. 
Par nobile fratrum, a noble pair 

of brothers (ironically). 
Paraselene, Gr. , a mock moon, 

that which is beside or near 

the moon. 
Pari passu, with an equal pace. 
Parvum parva decent, little 

things become little men. 
Passim, everywhere. 
PeccaVi, I have sinned. 
Pendente lite, while the suit is 

pending. 
Per cent (for centum) , by the 

hundred. 
Per saltum, by a leap. 
Per fas et nefas, through right 

and wrong. 
Per se, by itself. 
Pinxit, painted it. 
Posse comita'tus, the civil force 

of the county. 



Post meridiem (P. ai.), after 
mid-day. 

Postula'ta, things required. 

Prima facie, at the first view 
or appearance. 

Primitive (pri-mish'-e-e), the 
first fruits which were offered 
to the gods. 

Primum mobile, the first mover. 

Primus inter pares, the first or 
chief among equals. 

Princip'ia, first principles. 

Principiis obsta, oppose begin- 
nings, or the first attempt. 

Pro re nata, according to exi- 
gencies or circumstances. 

Pro aris et focis, for our altars 
and firesides. 

Probatum est, it has been 
proved. 

Pro bono pub'Hco, for the pub- 
lic good. 

Pro et con (contra), f9r and 
against. 

Pro forma, for form's sake. 

Pro hac vice, for the occasion. 

Pro tempore, for this time. 

Punica fides, Punic or Cartha- 
ginian faith, the Roman 
name for treachery. 

Quadragesima, Lent — so called 
because it contains/ortf y days. 

Quantum libet, as much as is 
pleasing. 

Quantum sulflcit, as much as is 
sufficient. 

Quantum valeat, as much as it 
may be worth. 

Quid nunc? (what now?), a 
newsmonger. 

Quid pro quo, something for 
something ; tit for tat. 

Quod erat demonstrandum or 
Q. E. D., that which was to 
be proved. 



254 



LATIX PHRASES EXPLAINED. 



Quondam, formerly, former. 

Recipe (ress'-e-py), the first 
word of a physician's prescrip- 
tion, and hence the prescrip- 
tion itself. Take thou is the 
literal meaning. 

Re inf ecta, without accomplish- 
ing the matter. 

Requiescat in pa'ce, may he 
rest in peace. 

Respice finem, look to the end, 

Resurgam, I shall rise again. 

Scandalum magnatum, scandal 
against the nobility. 

Scilicet (sc), to wit, namely. 

Sci're facias, cause it to be 
known, or show cause. 

Secundum artem, according to 
art or professional skill. 

Semper idem, always the same. 

Seria'tim, in regular order. 

Sic passim, so everywhere. 

Silent leges inter arma, laws 
are silent in the midst of arms. 

Sine die, without fixing a day. 

Sine qua non,without which not; 
an indispensable condition. 

Statu quo, in the same state in 
which it was. 

Sua cuique voluptas, every one 
has his own pleasure. 

Suaviter in modo, sed fortiter 
in re, gentle in manner, but 
firca ki acting. 

Sub poena, under a penalty. 

Sub silentio, in silence. 

Sui generis, the only cue of the 
kind ; singular. 

Summum bonum, the chief or 
supreme gcctl. 

Suum cuique, let every one have 
his own. 

Tabula rasa, a smooth tablet ; a 
mere blank. 

Taidium vita?, weariness of life. 



Te Deum, a hymn of thanks- 
giving ; so called from the 
two first words. 

Tempora mutantur, times are 
changed. 

Totidem verbis, in just so many 
words. 

Toties quoties, as often as. 

Toto coslo, by the whole hea- 
vens; as far as the poles 
asunder. 

Tria juncta in uno, three joined 
in one. 

Ultima ratio regum, the last 
reason of kings ; that is, war. 

Ultimus (ult.), the last, 

Una voce, with one voice. 

Utile dulci, the useful with the 
agreeable. 

Vacuum, an empty space. 

Vade mecum, come with me ; a 
companion. 

Vse victis! alas for the van- 
quished ! 

Variorum, with notes of various 
commentators. 

Venienti occurrite morbo, meet 
the disease in the beginning. 

Verbatim, word for word. 

Versus, in law, against. 

Veto (I forbid), a prohibition. 

Via, by the way of. 

Vice, in the stead or room of. 

Vice versa, the reverse. 

Vide, see ; refer to. 

Vi et armis, by main force. 

Vis inertias, the force or property 
of inanimate matter. 

Viva voce, orally ; by word cf 
mouth. 

Viz. (videlicet), to wit. 

Vox et prseterea nihil, voice (or 
sound) and nothing more. 

VrvAT ReginaI Long live 
the Queen 



255 



FRENCH AND FOREIGN PHRASES PRO- 
NOUNCED 1 AND EXPLAINED. 



Abattoir (a-bat-twar'), a general 
or public slaughter-house. 

Abbe (ab-bey), an abbot; an 
ecclesiastic. 

Accouchement(ac-coosh r mong), 
a lying-in. 

Accoucheur (ac-coo-share), a 
man midwife. 

Aid e-de-camp (aid'-deh-cong), 
a military officer attending a 
general. 

A-la-mode (ah-la-mocle) in the 
full fashion. 

Alguazil (al'-ga-zeel), a Spanish 
officer of justice ; a constable. 

Allemande (al-le-mand r ), a kind 
of German dance ; a figure in 
dancing. 

Alto relievo, It., high relief (in 
sculpture). 

Amateur (ahm-at-ehr), a lover 
of any art or science, not a 
professor ; a virtuoso. 

Amende (a-mongd'), a fine by 
way of recompense ; amends 
made in any w T ay. 

Andante, It., moderately slow. 

Antique (an-teek/), ancient ; old- 
fashioned. 

Apropos (a-pro-poO, to the pur- 
pose; by-the-bye. 

Assignat (as'-sing-ya), paper 
money issued during the Re- 
volution. 



Attache (at-ta-sha),one attached 
to the suite of an ambassador. 

AU fait (o fay), up to a thing, 
master of the subject. 

Au pis aller (o-pee-zah'-lai), at 
the worst. 

Auto de fe, Sp., an act of faith. 

Avocat (av'-o-ca), a lawyer. 

Badinage (bad^-e-nazh/), light 
or playful discourse. 

Bagatelle (ba-ga-tel'), a trifle. 

Ballet (bal-le), an opera dance. 

Banquette (bang-ket'), a small 
bank behind a parapet, to 
stand on when firing. 

Bateau (ba-tx/), a long, light 
boat ; a vessel. 

Baton (ba-tong 7 ), a staff or club. 

Beau (bo), a gaily- dressed per- 
son ; an admirer. 

Beaux esprits (boz-es-preeO, 
men of wit. 

Beau-ideal (bo-ee-day'-al), the 
ideal excellence existing only 
in the imagination. 

Beau monde(bo-mond), the gay 
or fashionable world. 

Bella- don'na, It., the deadly- 
nightshade: literally, fair 
lady — so ealled, it is said, 
because its juice is used as a 
cosmetic by Italian ladies. 

Belle (bell), a fine or fashionably 
dressed lady. 



1 It is very difficult, and in some cases impossible, to give, with 
the sounds of our letters, the true French pronunciation. The 
pronunciations given here, therefore, are in some oases to be con- 
sidered as mere approximations. — See No. 20, page 117. 



256 



FRENCH AND FOREIGN PHRASES 



Belles-lettres (bell-lettr), polite 

literature. 
Bijou (bee-zhoo), a jewel or 

trinket. 
Billet doux (bil-le-doo'), a love 

letter. 
Bivouac (biv'-oo-ack), to pass 

the night under arms. 
Bizarre (be-zar), odd, fantastic. 
Blanc manger (blo-mon r je), a 

confected white jelly. 
Bon jour (bohn-zhur), good day. 
Bon mot (bong'-ino), a witty 

saying. 
Bonne- bouche (bun-boosh), a 

delicious morsel ; a titbit. 
Bon ton (bohn-tong), in high 

fashion. 
Bon vivant (bohn-veev'-ahn), a 

high liver ; a choice spirit. 
Boudoir (boo-dwor 7 ), a small 

ornamental room. 
Bougie (boo-zhe), a wax taper. 
Bouillon (bool'-yong), a kind 

of broth. 
Bouquet (boo-kay), a nosegay. 
Bourgeois(boor'-zhwaw), a bur- 
gess or citizen; citizen-like. 
Bravura (bra-voo'-ra), a song of 

difficult execution; difficult; 

brilliant. 
Bulletin (booFe-teen), a short 

official account of news. 
Bureau (bu-ro), a chest of 

drawers with a writing board ; 

an office. 
Burletta, It., a musical farce. 
Cabaret (cab'-a-ray), a tavern. 
Cabriolet (cab'-re-o-lay"), a cab. 
Cachet (kah-shay), a seal ; a 

private or secret state letter. 
Caden'za, It., in music, the fall 

or modulation of the voice. 
Ca ira (sa-ee-ra), (it shall go on, 
1 that is, the Revolution,) the 



burden of a republican, or 

revolutionary song. 
Caique (ca-eek'), the skiff of a 

galley. 
Calibre (ca-lee'br), the capacity 

or compass of the mind or 

intellect. 
Cantata, It., a poem set to music. 
Caoutchouc (coo'-ehookXlndian 

rubber. 
Cap-a-pie (cap-ah-pee), from 

head to foct. 
Capriccio (ca-pree'-cho), It., a 

loose, irregular species of 

musical composition. 
Cap'riole, It., a leaj.) without 

advancing. 
Capuchin (cap'-u-sheen")> a 

hooded friar. 
Carte blanche (cart-blongsh), 

permission to name our own 

terms. 
Cartouche (car-toosl/), a case to 

hold powder and balls. 
Chamade (sha-mad'), the beat 

of a drum denoting a desire 

to parley or surrender. 
Champetre (shan-paytrO, rural. 
Champignon (sham-pin'-yon), a 

small species of mushroom. 
Chanson (chawng-soang),a song. 
Chapeau (shap'-po), a hat. 
Chaperon (shap^-er-oug), a gen- 
tleman who attends upon or 

protects a lady in a public 

assembly. 
Charge d'affaires (shar'-jay-daf- 

fair), an ambassador of second 

rank. 
Charivari(shar-e-va-ree),a mock 

serenade of discordant music. 
Charlatan(shar / -la-tan),a quack. 
Chateau (shah-to), a castle. 
Chef d'oeuvre (shay-doovr), a 

masterpiece. 



PRONOUNCED AND EXPLAINED. 



25? 



Cheveaux-de-frise (shev'-o-de- 
freeze), a kind of spiked fence. 

Chiaro-oscuro (ke-ar r -o-os-coo'- 
ro), It., lights and shades in 
painting. 

Cicerone (tchee-tchai-ro-ny), It, 
a guide or conductor; one 
who oratorizes in his descrip- 
tions. 

Cicisbeo (tche-tchis-bay'-o), It., 
a gallant tending a lady. 

Ci-devant (see-de-vang), for- 
merly, former. 

Clique (cleek), a party or gang. 

Cognac (cone-yack), brandy, 
properly from the town so 
called. 

Comme il faut (com-ee-fo'), as 
it should be ; quite the thing. 

Con amore, It. , with love ; with 
all one's heart. 

Conge d'elire (con-jay-dai-leer), 
permission to elect. 

Connoisseur (con-a-sehr), a skil- 
ful judge. 

Contour (con-toor^), the outline 
of a figure. 

Corps diplomatique (core dip- 
lo-ma-teek'), the body of am- 
bassadors. 

Corregidor (cor-red r -je-dor), Sp., 
the chief magistrate in a 
Spanish town. 

Cotillon (co-tiF-yoang), a brisk, 
lively dance. 

Coup de grace (coo-deh-grass'), 
the finishing blow. 

Coup d'etat(coo-deh-tah),abold 
measure on the part of the 
state ; a master-stroke of 
policy. 

Coup de main (coo-deh-malmg), 
a sudden or bold enterprise. 

Coup d'ceil (coo-deuhl'), a glance 
of the eye. 



Couteau (koo-to ), a kind of 
knife, a hanger. 

Coftte que coute (coot-ke-coot), 
cost what it will. 

Cuisine (kwe-zeen r ), the kitchen 
the cooking department. 

Cul de sac (literally, the bot- 
tom of a sack or bag), a street 
closed at one end. 

Da capo, It., again, or repeat 
from the beginning. 

Debouch (de-booshO, to issue or 
march out of a narrow place 
or defile. 

Debris (de-bree), broken re- 
mains ; ruins. 

Debut (de-boo), first appearance. 

Dejeuner a la fourchette (de- 
zheu-ne-ah-lah-foor-shayt), a 
breakfast with meats, fowls, 
&c. ; a public breakfast. 

Depot (deli-po), a store or ma- 
gazine. 

Denouement (de-noo-mong r ),the 
winding up ; an explanation. 

Dernier ressort (dairn-yair-res- 
sor), the last shift or resource. 

Dieu et mon droit (dieu-ai-mon- 
drwau), God and my right. 

Dilettante (pi. Dilettanti), one 
who delights in promoting the 
fine arts. . 

Dolce (dol'-che), It., sweetly and 
softly. 

Doloro'so, It., in music, soft and 
pathetic. 

Domicile (dom-e-seel), an abode. 

Double entendre (doo'-bl-ong- 
tong"-dr), a phrase with a 
double meaning. 

Eclaircissement (ec - lair' - cis ■ 
mong), a clearing up' or ex- 
planation of an affair. 

Eclat (e-clawO, splendour, a 
burst of applause. 



258 



FRENCH AND FOREIGN PHRASES 



Eleve (ai-lave), one brought up 
by another ; a pupil. 

Embonpoint (ahn-bon-pwawn), 
in good condition. 

Encore (ahn-core), again. 

Ennui (ong-weeO, wearisome- 
ness, lassitude. 

En passant (on pas'song), in 
passing, by the way. 

En route (ang-roof), on the 
road. 

Entree (ong-tray), entrance. 

Entremets (ong'-tr-may), one 
of the small dishes set be- 
tween the principal ones at 
dinner. 

Entre nous (ong'-tr-noo), be- 
tween ourselves. 

Entrepot (ong-tr-po'), a ware- 
house or magazine. 

Equivoque (a'-ke- voke")> an 
equivocation. 

Esprit de corps (es-pree-cleh- 
core), the spirit of the body 
or party. 

Expose (ecks~po r -zy), an expo- 
sition or formal statement. 

Famille (f a-meeF), family ; " en 
famille," in the family way. 

Fantoccinni (ian'-to-tche^-ne), 
It., puppets. 
. Faux-pas (fo-pah), a false step. 

Femme couverte(fam-coo-vairt) 
a protected cr married woman . 

Femme sole, a single woman. 

Fete (fate), a feast or festival- 
Feu de joie (feii-de-zhwaw), a 
discharge of firearms ; a re- 
joicing. 

Fiacre (fe-ah'kr), a hackney 
coach. 

Fille-de-chambre (f eel-de-sham - 
br), a chamber-maid. 

Finale (fee-nah'-ly), It, the 
end ; the close. 



Fleur-de-lis (flehr-deh-lee), the 
flower of the lily. 

Fracas (fra-ca), a noisy quarrel. 

Friseur (fre-zur 7 ), a hairdresser. 

Gaucherie (gosh-re), left-hand- 
edness, awkwardness. 

Gendarmes (jang-darm), sol- 
diers, police. 

Gout (goo), taste. 

Grisette (gree-zet ; ), literally, a 
youngwoman dresse £ in gray, 
that is, homely stuff ; a trades- 
man's wife or daughter ; a 
shop-girl. 

Gusto, It., the relish of any 
thing ; liking. 

IJarico (har'-e-co), a land of 
ragout. 

Honi soit qui mal y pense (ho- 
ne - swaw-kee-mahl-e-pahns ), 
evil to him that evil thinks. 

Hors de combat (hor-deh-cohn- 
bah), disabled. 

Hotel-Dieu (o-teF-deuh), an hos- 
pital. 

Ich dien (ik-deen), I serve. 

Incognito (incog.), in disguise. 

In petto, in the breast or mind ; 
in reserve. 

Jene sais quoi(je-ne-say-kwaw') 
I know not what. 

Jet d'eau(zhai-doO, an ornamen- 
tal water-spout or fountain. 

Jeu de mots (zheu-de-moO, play 
upon words. 

Jeu d'esprit (zheu-des-pree), 
play of wit ; a witticism. 

Juste milieu (zhust mil-yii), the 
exact or just middle. 

Levee (lev-ay), a morning visit. 

Liqueur (le-quehr), a cordial. 

Mademoiselle (mad' - em - wa- 
zel") , a young lady ; Miss. 

Maitre d'hotel (maytr-do-telO, a 
hotel keeper or manager. 






PRONOUNCED AND EXPLAINED. 



259 



Mal-a-pro-pos (mal-ap-ro-poO, 
out of time ; unseasonable. 

Malaria, It, Noxious vapours 
or exhalations. 

Malicho (mal-it-cho), the cor- 
ruption of a Spanish word 
signifying mischief. 

Mauvaise honte (mo-vais-hont), 
false modesty. 

Melee (may-lay 0, a confused 
light ; a scuffle. 

Menage (men-azhO ,amenagerie. 

Messieurs (mess-yers), gentle- 
men ; the plural of Mr. 

Monsieur (mo'-seu), Sir, Mr., a 
gentleman. 

Naivete' (nah-eev-tay'), ingenu- 
ousness,jsimplicity. 

Niaiserie (nee-ais-ree), silliness. 

Nom-de-guerre(nong-deh-gairO, 
an assumed name. 

Nonchalance(nohn-shah-lahnce) 
coolness, indifference. 

Noyau (no-yo), a liqueur. 

On dit(ohn-dee), a flying report. 

Outre (oo-trayO, extraordinary, 
eccentric. 

Parole (par-<5le), word of honour. 

Pas (pah), a step; precedence. 

Patois (pat-waw),provincialism. 

Penchant (pan-shahn), a leaning 
or inclination towards. 

Petit -maitre (pet'ty may'tr), a 
little master ; a fop. 

Protege (protegee, fern.), (pro- 
tay- jay), one that is patronized 
and protected. 

Qui va la? (kee-vah-la), who 
goes there ? 

Qui yive? (kee-veev'), who 
goes there ?) ; on the alert. 

Ragout (rah-goo), a highly-sea- 
soned dish. 

Kencontre(rahn-contrOan unex- 
pected meeting ; an encounter 



Restaurateur (re-stor-ah-tehr'), 
a tavern keeper. 

Rouge (rooge), red paint. 

Ruse de guerre (roos-deh-gair'), 
a trick or stratagem of war. 

Riant (ree'-ang), smiling. 

Sang froid (sahn-frwaw), cool- 
ness ; literally, cold blood. 

Sans (sang), without. 

Sans-culottes (sang-cu-lotf), the 
tag-rag ; the rabble. 

Savant (sav'-ang), a learned man 

Sobriquet (so-bre-kay), a njj " 
name. 

Soi-disant(swaw-dee-zang),self- 
styled, pretended. 

Soiree (swaw'ry), an evening 
party. 

Souvenir (soov-neerO, remem- 
brance. 

Table-cl'hote (tabl-dote), an or- 
dinary at which the master of 
the hotel presides. 

Tete-a-tete (tait-ah-tait), head 
to head ; a private conversa- 
tion between two persons. 

Tirade (tee-radO, a long invec- 
tive speech. 

Ton (tong), the full fashion. 

Torso, It., the trunk of a statue. 

Tour (toor), a journey. 

Tout ensemble(too-tahn-sahnbl) 
the whole taken together. 

Valet-de-chambre (val-e-deh- 
shambr), a footman. 

Yetturino (vet-too-ree'n-o), It., 
the owner or driver of an 
Italian travelling carriage. 

Vis-a-vis (veez-ah-vee), face to 
face ; a small carriage for two 
persons, with seats opposite. 

Vive la bagatelle (veev -la-bag- 
a-tel'), success to trifles. 

Vive le roi (veev-ler-waw), long 
live the king. 



260 



ABBREVIATIONS. 



A.B. 

A.C. 

A.M. 

A.M. 

A.U.C. 

B.D. 

B.M. 

C. Cent. 

Clk. 

Cap. 

C.P.S. 

C.R. 

C.S. 

D.D. 

D.V. 

e.g. 

Ibid. 

Id. 

i. e. 

Incog. 

J.H.S. 

LL.D. 

L.S. 

L.S.D. 

Lib. 

M.D. 

M.S. 

KB. 

Nein. con 

Per Cent 

S.C. 

S.T.D. 

P.M. 

Prox. 

P.S. 

Q.E.D. 

Sc. 

Uit. 

V.R. 

Vid. 

Viz. 

&c. 



Artium Baccalaureus 
Ante Christum, 
Artium Magister, 
Anno Mundi, 
Ab Urbe Condita, 



Bachelor of Arts. 
Before the Christian era. 
Master of Arts. 
In the year of the world. 
From the building of the city. 



Baccalaureus Divinitatis, Bachelor of Divinity, 
Baccalaureus Medicinre, Bachelor of Medicine. 
Centum, 



Clericus, 

Capitulum, 

Custos Privati Sigilii, 

Custos Rotulorum, 

Custos Sigilii, 

Doctor Divinitatis, 

Deo Volente, 

Exempli Gratia, 

Ibidem, 

Idem, 

Id est, 

Incognito, 



A hundred. 

Clergyman. 

Chapter. 

Keeper of the Privy Seal. 

Keeper of the Rolls. 

Keeper of the Seal. 

Doctor of Divinity. 

God willing. 

For example. 

In the same place. 

The same (author). 

That is. 

Unknown, concealed. 



Jesus Hominum Salvator, Jesus the Saviour of men. 



Doctor of Laws. 

The place of the Seal. 

Pounds, Shillings, Pence. 

Book. 

Doctor of Medicine. 

Sacred to the Memory. 

Note well ; take notice. 

No one opposing it. 

By the hundred. 

A decree of the Senate. 



Legum Doctor, 

Locus Sigilii, 

Librae, Solidi, Denarii, 

Liber, 

Medicine Doctor, 

Memorise Sacrum, 

Nota Bene, 

Nemine Contradicente, 

Per Centum, 

Senatus Consult!, 

Sacrse Theologize Doctor, Doctor of Divinity. 

Post Meridiem, In the afternoon. 

Proximo, Next (month or term). 

Post Scriptum, Postscript (written after). 

Quod erat demonstrandum, Which was to be proved. 

Scilicet, To wit ; understood. 

Ultimo, In the last (month). 

Victoria Regina, . Queen Victoria. 

Vide, See thou ; refer to. 

Videlicet, To wit ; namely. 

Et cat era. And the rest ; and so forth. 



ABBREVIATIONS. 



2G1 





ENGLISH. 




A. Answ. Answer. 


K.P. 


Knight of St. Patrick. 


Adm". 


Administrators. 


K.T. 


Knight of the Thistle. 


Abp. 


Archbishop. 


L.C.J. 


Lord Chief Justice. 


Acct. 


Account. 


Lieut. 


Lieutenant. 


Anon. 


Anonymous. 


M.A. 


Master of Arts. 


B.A. 


Bachelor of Arts. 


Messrs. 


Gentlemen. 


Bart. 


Baronet. 


M.P. 


Member of Parliament 


Bp. 


Bishop. 


Mr. 


Master. 


Brig. 


Brigantine. 


Mrs. 


Mistress. 


Capt. 


Captain. 


M.R.I.A 


. Member of the Royal 


C.B. 


Companion of tlicBath 




Irish Academy. 


C.P. 


Common Pleas. 


MS. 


Manuscript. 


Ch. 


Chapter. 


MSS. 


Manuscripts. 


Co. 


County or Company. 


N.S. 


New Style (1752). 


Col. 


Colonel. 


No. 


Number. 


Com r . 


Commissioner. 


n.l. 


North Latitude. 


Cr. 


Creditor. 


N.T. 


New Testament. 


D.C.L. 


Doctor of Civil Law. 


N. 


North. 


D.L. 


Deputy Lieutenant. 


o.s. 


Old Style. 


Dr. 


Debtor or Doctor. 


Svo. 


Octavo. 


Do. 


Ditto ; the same. 


O.T. 


Old Testament. 


E. 


East. 


oz. 


Ounce. 


E.L. 


East Longitude. 


Prof. 


Professor; 


Exch. 


Exchequer. 


P.S. 


Postscript. 


Esq. 


Esquire. 


Q. 


Question. 


F.R.S. 


Fellow of the Royal 


Q.B. 


Queen's Bench. 




Society. 


Q.C. 


Queen's Counsel. 


F.S.A. 


Fellow of the Anti- 


4 to. 


Quarto. 




quarian Society. 


Q y . 


Query. 


F.T.C.D 


Fellow of Trinity Col- 


Rev. 


Reverend. 




lege, Dublin. 


Rt. Hon 


Right Honorable. 


Gent. 


Gentleman. 


R.A. 


Royal Artillery. 


Gen. 


General. 


R.E. 


Royal Engineers. 


Hhd. 


Hogshead. 


R.M. 


Royal Marines. 


H.M. 


Her or His Majesty. 


R.M. 


Resident Magistrate. 


Inst. 


Instant ; present month. 


R.N. 


Royal Navy. 


J.P. 


Justice of the Peace. 


Sec. 


Secretary. 


Knt. 


Knight. 


S. 


South. 


K.G. 


Knight of the Garter. 


S.L. 


South Latitude. 


K.B. 


Knight of the Bath. 


St. 


Saint. 


K.C.B. 


Knight Commander 


U.S. 


United States. 




of the Bath. 


w. 


West. 


K.G.C.B 


. Knight Grand Cross 


W.L. 


West Longitude. 




of the Bath. 


X m ». 


Christmas. 



262 DIRECTIONS FOR ADDRESSING 

DIRECTIONS FOR ADDRESSING PERSONS OF 
EVERY RANK, BOTH IN WRITING AND SPEAKING. 

ROYAL FAMILY. 

King or Queen. — Superscription — To the King's (or Queen's) 
Most Excellent Majesty. 
Commencement. — Sire (or Madam). 
Conclusion. — I remain, 

With profound veneration, 

Sire (or Madam), 
Your Majesty's most faithful Subject 
and dutiful Servant. 
Address in speaking to. — Sire (or Madam); Your Majesty; or, 
May it please your Majesty. 
Princes and Princesses of the Blood Royal. 1 
Superscription. — To His (or Her) Royal Highness, <fec. 
Commencement. — Sir (or Madam). 
Conclusion. — I remain, 

With the greatest respect, 

Sir (or Madam), 
Your Royal Highness's most dutiful 
and most obedient humble Servant. 
Address in speaking to. — Sir (or Madam) ; Your Royal High- 
ness or, May it please your Royal Highness. 

NOBILITY AND GENTRY. 

Dukes and Duchesses. — Superscription — To his (or Her) Grace 

the Duke (or Duchess) of . 

Commencement. — My Lord Duke (or Madam), 
Conclusion. — I have the honor to be, 

My Lord Duke (or Madam),* 
Your Grace's most devoted 

and obedient Servant. 
In speaking to. — Your Grace ; or, May it please your Grace 
or, My Lord (or Madam). 2 



i Blood Royal. — That is, the sons and daughters, brothers and 
sisters, uncles and aunts of the King (or Queen Regnant). But 
the Princes and Princesses of the Blood, that is, the nephews, 
nieces, and cousins of the King (or Queen Regnant) are styled 
Highness merely. 

2 Madam. — Persons of inferior condition, as tradesmen and 
servants, should use the words, " My Lady," or " May it please 
your Ladyship," instead of "Madam," when addressing ladies 
of title. 



PERSONS OF EVERY RANK. 263 

Marquesses and. Marchionesses. — Superscription — To the 
Most Honorable, 

The Marquess (or Marchioness) of . 

Commencement. — My Lord Marquess (or Madam). 1 
Conclusion. — I have the honor to be, 

My Lord Marquess (or Madam), 
Your Lordship's (or Ladyship's) most obedient 
and most humble Servant. 
In speaking to. — My Lord (or Madam 1 ) ; or, May it please your 
Lordship (or Ladyship). 

Earls and Countesses. — Superscription — To the Right Hono- 
rable the Earl (or Countess) of . Com. — My Lord (or 

Madam 1 ). Con. — I have the honor to be, my Lord (or Madam 1 ), 
Your Lordship's (or Ladyship's) most obedient and very 
humble Servant. 

In speaking to. — My Lord (or Madam) ; or, l r our Lordship (or 
Ladyship). 

Viscounts and Viscountesses — Barons and Baronesses. — 
The form of superscription and address the same as to Eares 
and Countesses ; as, To the Right Honorable the Viscount 
(or Viscountess, or Baron or Baroness) 

Baronets and Knights. — Superscription — To Sir ,(and in 

the case of a Baronet 2 ) Bart. 

Wives of Baronets and Knights. — To Lady . Madam.i 

Esquires. — The persons legally entitled to this title are — 1. 
The eldest sons of Knights, and their eldest sons in perpetual 
succession. 2. The eldest sons of the younger sons of Peers, 
and their eldest sons in like succession. 3. Esquires by virtue 
of their office, as Justices of the Peace. 4. Esquires of Knights 
of the Bath, each of whom constitutes three at his installation. 
5. All who are styled " Esquires " by the King (or Queen) in 
their commissions and appointments. Thus Captains in the 
Army are Esquires, because they are so styled in their Com- 
mission, Which is signed by the King ; but Captains in the 
Navy, though of higher military rank, are not legally entitled 
to this title, because their commissions are signed, not by the 
King, but by the Lords of the Admiralty. 

This title is, however, now given to every man of respectability 
and to persons who are entitled to superior consideration, &c. 
fie, &c, should be added. 

Titles by Courtesy. — The sons of Dukes, Marquesses, and the 



1 Madam. — See note, page 262. 

2 In the case of a Knight it is not usual to add the title, except 
in legal or formal documents. 



264 DIRECTIONS FOR ADDRESSING, 4c. 

eldest sons of Earls are called Lords, and their daughters 
Ladies. When there are other peerages in the family, the 
eldest son in such cases takes the title next in dignity. Thus 
the eldest son of the Duke of Leinster is styled the Marquess 
of Kildare ; and the eldest son of the Duke of Norfolk, is 
called the Earl of Surrey. 

Right Honorable. — The title of Right Honorable is given — 
1. To the sons and daughters of Dukes and Marquesses, and to 
the daughters and the eldest sons of Earls. 2. To all the mem- 
bers of Her Majesty's Most Honorable Privy Council. 3. To 
the Speaker of the House of Commons. 4. To the Lord Chan- 
cellor, the Lord Chief Justices, and the Lord Chief Baron. 
5. To the Lord Mayor of London, Dublin, York, and to the 
Lord Provost of Edinburgh, during the time they are in office. 1 

Honorable. — The title of Honorable is given to the younger sons 
of Earls, and all the sons and daughters of Viscounts and 
Barons ; also, to the Puisne Judges, and the Barons of the Ex- 
chequer. 2 

Excellency. — This title is given to all Ambassadors, Plenipo- 
tentiaries, the Lord Lieutenant and Lord Justices of Ireland, 
the Governor of Canada, &c. 

Archbishop. — To His Grace, the Lord Archbishop of . My 

Lord Archbishop. — In speaking to — Your Grace ; or, My Lord.3 

Bishops. — To the Right Reverend, the Lord Bishop of ■. My 

Lord Bishop. — In spealdng to — My Lord ; or, Your Lordship. 

Deans. — To the Very Reverend, the Dean of . Mr. Dean ; 

Reverend Sir. 

Archdeacon. — To the Venerable, the Archdeacon of . Mr 

Archdeacon ; or, Reverend Sir. _•- 

Clergymen. — To the Reverend John (or whatever the Christia 
name may be) ■ Reverend Sir. 

Right Worshipful and Worshipful. — To the Sheriffs, Al 
dermen, and Recorder of the City of London, the title of Right 
Worshipful is given « and that of Worshipful to the Aldermen 
and Recorders of other Corporations. Justices of the Peace 
are also entitled to Worshipful ; and Your Worship. 

i The Lords Commissioners of the Treasury and Admiralty are 
usually addressed by courtesy with the title of Right Honorable. 

2 Commissioners of Government Boards or Departments, and 
even the Directors of the Bank of England, East India Company, 
&c, are often styled "Honorable," but it is only by inferior 
persons. 

s The wives of Archbishops and Bishops, Chancellors and 
Judges, Generals and Admirals, are addressed merely as " Mrs." 
and " Madam," unless they possess a title in their own right, or 
through their husband, independent of his official rank. 



APPENDIX. 



PROVERBS AND PRECEPTS. 



Teachers are recommended by the author of this 
little book to use the following Proverbs and 
Precepts as additional u Dictation Exercises," 
both in writing and spelling ; the more advanced 
pupils to write down the sentence dictated, either 
on paper or slates, and the less advanced to spell it 
word for word, as if they were writing it down. 
They should also be used as Exercises in Parsing. 
The importance of having precepts, so full of prac- 
tical wisdom, impressed upon the young mind, is 
too obvious to dwell upon : — 

A proverb is the ivisdom of many and the wit 
of one. 

When several wise men have drawn some conclusion 
from experience and observation, a man of wit con- 
denses it into a short pithy saying, which obtains cur- 
rency as a proverb. 

A use for every thing, and every thing to its 
proper use, 

A place for every thing, and every thing in its 
proper place, 

M 



266 PRO VERBS AND PRECEPTS. 

A time for every thing, and every \ thing in its 
proper time. 

As you brew, you must bake. 

He who brews unskilfully will have bad yeast ; and 
bad yeast will make bad bread. The ill consequences 
of one imprudent step will be felt in many an after step. 

A slow fire makes sweet malt 

It is observed that a fierce fire half burns the malt, 
and destroys most of its sweetness. And in like man- 
ner, every thing that is done with impetuous violence 
and hurry, is^the worse done. 

A straw best shows how the wind blows. 

Occurrences that are trifling in themselves, and things 
said carelessly, will often serve as a sign of what kind 
of disposition men are in. The most ordinary and un- 
important actions of a man's life will often show more 
of his natural character and his habits, than more im- 
portant actions, which are done deliberately, and some- 
times against his natural inclinations. And again, 
w hat is said or done by very inferior persons, who sel- 
dom think for themselves, or act resolutely on their 
own judgment, is the best sign of what is commonly 
said or done in the place and time in which they live. 
A man of resolute character, and of an original turn of 
thought, is less likely to be led by those around him, 
and therefore does not furnish so good a sign of what 
are the prevailing opinions and customs. 

An idle man tempts the devil. 

When a man is unemployed there is a double chance 
of his being led into some folly or vice. 



PROVEKBS AND PBECEPTS. 267 

A wrinkled purse, a wrinkled face. 
When one's money bag is nearly empty, and so, full 
of wrinkles, care is apt to bring wrinkles into his face. 

As the fool tkinketk, so the bell clinketk. 

When a weak man is strongly biassed in favour of 
any opinion, scheme, &c, everything seems to confirm 
it ; the very bells seem to say the words that his head 
is full of. 

A knave is one knave, but a fool is many, 
A weak man in a place of authority will often do 
more mischief than a bad man. For an intelligent 
but dishonest man will do only as much hurt as serves 
his ovmi purpose ; but a weak man is likely to be made 
the tool of several dishonest men. A lion only kills as 
many as will supply him with food ; but a horse, if 
ridden by several warlike horsemen, may prove the 
death of more than ten lions would kill. 

A lie has no legs. 

'A fabricated tale cannot stand of itself, but requires 
other lies to be coined to support it ; and these again 
need others to support them ; and so on without end. 
Hence it is said that " liars need good memories." 

A stitch in time saves nine, 

A man will never change his mind, if he lias no 
mind to change. 

A good token lost is valued most, 1 

A penny saved is a penny gained. 



i The French say, Bien perdu, Hen comiu. 

m2 



V-^268 PROVERBS AND PRECEPTS. 

A little more breaks a horse's back 3 

or, 
The last straw breaks a horse's bach 

When a man is loaded with as much work, or as 
much injury, as he can bear, a very trifling addition 
(in itself trifling) will be just as much beyond what he 
can bear. 

A fool may easily find more faults in any thing 
than a wise man can easily mend. 

A liar is daring toioards God, and a coward to- 
wards man. 

That is, when he tells a lie, as is often the case, to 
screen himself from blame or punishment. This is to 
dread man more than God. 

A glutton lives to eat ; a wise man eats to live. 

A rolling stone gathers no moss. 

This is applied to people who keep themselves poor 
by continually changing their employment, or place of 
residence. A stone gets covered with moss only when 
it lies still a long time. 

A straight tree may have crooked roots. 

Some actions, which appear to the world very noble, 
and instances of exalted virtue, may in reality spring 
from base and selfish motives, which are unseen, like 
the crooked roots of a tree that are concealed by the 
earth. 



PROVERBS AND PRECEPTS. 269 t 

A fooVs bolt is soon shot. 

A bolt is an old word for an arrow, such as was shot 
from a cross-bow. A careless person was apt to shoot 
very quickly, without deliberate aim, and he generally 
missed the mark. So, a thoughtless and ignorant man 
will often hastily make up his mind on any point, and 
deliver bis opinion on it, without taking time for con- 
sideration and-inquiry ; and he will generally miss the 
truth. 

Be old when young, that you may be young 
ivhen old — or, Old young, and old long. 

Those who take great liberties with their constitution 
while young, and do not husband their health and 
strength, are likely to break down early and rapidly ; 
while those who, in their younger days, practise some 
of the caution of the old, are likely to live the longer, 
and have a better chance of a vigorous and comfortable 
old age. 

Better to wear out shoes than sheets. 

That is, to go about your business actively, than to 
lie a-bed. Some say, u better wear Gut than rust out." 
A knife, or other iron tool, will wear out by constant 
use ; but if laid by useless, the rust will consume it. 

Better is an ass that speaks well, than a prophet 
that speaks itt. 1 

Better is an ass thai carries you, than a horse 
that throws you. 

A friend who serves you faithfully, though he may be 
in humble circumstances, is much more valuable than a 
powerful patron, who is apt to desert or ill treat his 
friends. 

i This refers to Balaam and his ass. 



v/270 



PROVERBS AND PRECEPTS. 



Bachelors' wives and maidens' children are well 
trained. 

An unmarried man will sometimes boast how well 
lie could rule a wife ; and single women will fancy they 
could manage a family of children much better than 
some of their neighbours do. And it is the same in 
many other matters also. Many people are apt to draw 
fine pictures of what they would do, if they were in 
' such and such a person's place ; but if the experiment 
is tried, they find difficulties in practice which they 
had not dreamed of. 

Bend the twig, and bend the tree. 

A young sapling is easily bent or straightened, and 
the tree will remain so. Y ou should therefore learn what 
is right while young. To wait till you grow old, is like 
waiting to straighten a tree till it is full grown. 

Before you marry, be sure of a house wherein to 
tarry. 

Between two stools we come to the ground. 

This applies to those who do not take a decided 
course one way or the other, but aim partly at one 
object and partly at another, so as to miss both. 

Covetousness bursts the bag. 

He who is too intent on making an unreasonable 
profit, will often fail of all ; even as a bag that is 
crammed till it burst, will let out every thing. 

Children and fools should- not see a work that 
is half done. 

They have not the sense to guess what the artist is 
designing. The whole of this world that we see is a 
work half done ; and thence fools are apt to find fault 
with Providence. 



PKOVEPvES AND PRECEPTS. 271 v/ 

Children and fools should not handle edge tools. 

That is, they should not be trusted with power. 

Cleave the log according to the grain. 

Address each man whom you would persuade or in- 
struct, according to his particular disposition and habits 
of thought. The same method may be very effectual 
with one man, and utterly fail with another. 

Clouds afar look black or gay : 
Closely seen, they all are gray. 

It is just so with many a public man, who will be found 
by those immediately around him, neither so detestable 
nor so admirable as perhaps he is thought by opposite 
parties. 1 

Debt is the worst kind of poverty. 

Dost thou love life ? Then ivaste not time, for 
time is the stuff life is made of 

Do not ride a free horse to death. 

^ When anyone is willing to be of service, and to exert 
himself, like a free-going horse, it is too common an 
injustice to impose on his good nature, hj making him 
do and bear more than his fair share. 



1 The man his party deem a hero ; 
His foes, a Judas or a Nero ; 
Patriot of superhuman worth, 
Or vilest wretch that cumhers earth 
Derives his bright and murky hues 
From distant and from party views. 
Seen close, nor bright nor black are they 
Bat every one a sober gray 



272 PROVERBS AND PRECEPTS. 

Empty vessels make most sound. 

People who have the least knowledge, and the least 
merit, are apt to be great talkers and boasters. 

Fain would the cat fish eat, 
Bui she is loth to wet her feet. 

Those who cannot bring themselves to do or bear any 
thing unpleasant, must often go without that they wish 
for ; like a eat which is fond of fish, but dreads water. 

Fools learn nothing from wise men; hut wise men 
learn much from fools. 

That is, they learn to avoid their errors. 

For want of a nail the shoe was lost ; for want oj 
a shoe the horse was lost; for wantpfa horse the rider 
was lost. 

A neglect of something that appears very trifling, may 
lead to the most disastrous results. 

Fortune favours fools. 

It is said that fortune favours fools, because they trust 
all to fortune. When a fool escapes any danger, or suc- 
ceeds in any undertaking, it is said thatfortune favours 
him ; while a wise man is considered to prosper by his 
own prudence and foresight. For instance, if a fool who 
does not bar his door, escapes being robbed, it is ascribed 
to his luck ; but the prudent man, having taken precau- 
tions, is not called fortunate. A wise man is, in fact, 
more likely to meet with good fortune than a foolish 
one; because he puts himself in the way of it. If he is 
sending off a ship, he has abetter chance of obtaining a 
favourable wind, because he chooses the place and season 
in which such winds prevail as will be favourable to him. 
If the fool's ship arrives in safety, it is by good luckalone; 
while both must be in some degree indebted to fortune 
for success. 



PROVERBS AND PRECEPTS. 273 

Frost and fraud both end infold. 

A frost, while it lasts, disguises the appearance of 
things, nialdng muddy roads dry, and shaking bogs firm,- 
&c. ; but a thaw is sure to come, and then the roads are 
fouler than ever. And even so, falsehood and artifice of 
every kind, generally, when detected, bring more diffi- 
culty and disgrace than what they were originally devised 
to avoid. 

For a mischievous dog a heavy clog. 

The French say, " He must be tied short.'' (A me- 
diant chierij court lien.} A man of a character not fully to 
be trusted, must sometimes be employed ; and in that 
case you should have him so tied up by restrictions, and 
so superintended, that he may do no mischief. 

Good words are good, but good deeds are better. 

He thai pays beforehand, has his work behind- 
hand. 

He that's convinced against his ivill, 
Is of his own opinion still. 

He that is tmdy ivise and great, 
Lives both too early and too late. 

A man who is very superior in wisdom and virtue to 
those around him, will often appear, in some respects, to 
have come into the world too late ; that is, we often see 
how well he would have made use of some opportunity 
which is now lost for ever ; and how effectually he could 
have prevented some evils that are now past remedy. 
For instance, he would perhaps, by timely prudence, 
have prevented a quarrel between two persons, or two 
nations, who can never be thoroughly reconciled now. 
But again, such a person will also often appear, in some 
respects, to have come into the world too early ; that is, 
he will often be not so well understood, or so highly 

m3 



^274 



PROVERBS AND PRECEPTS. 



valued, by those around him, as he would have been by 
a later generation more advanced in civilization. If, in 
the midst of a half-barbarian nation, some one man arises, 
of such a genius as to equal an ordinary man of the edu- 
cated classes in the most enlightened parts of Europe, he 
is in danger of being reckoned by his countrymen a fool 
or a madman, if he attempt to expose all their mistakes^ 
and to remove all their prejudices, and to impart to them 
all his own notions. Thus, in two ways, a very eminent 
man is prevented from doing all the good he might have 
done. He comes too late for some purposes, and too 
early for others. 

Honesty is the best policy ; but he who acts on that 
principle is not an honest man. 

He only is an honest man who does that which is right 
because it is right, and not from motives of policy; and 
then, he is rewarded by finding afterwards that the 
honest course he has pursued was in reality the most 
politic. But a cunning rogue seldom finds out, till it is 
too late, that he is involved in difficulties raised by his 
own craft, which an honest course would have escaped. 

He that goes a borrovnng goes a sorrowing. 

He buys honey dear who licks it from thorns. 

Gain or pleasure may be too dearly bought, if it cost 
much disquiet or contention. 

He laughs best who laughs last 

A person who takes the wisest course may often be 
derided for a time, by persons who enjoy a temporary 
triumph, but find in the end that they have completely 
failed. 

He sups ill who eats all at dinner. 

If you spend everything as fast as you get it, while 
young and strong, you will be likely to become destitute 
in old age. 



PROVERBS AND PRECEPTS. 275 

He that has a wish for his supper, may go 
to bed hungry. 

It is a folly to waste one's time and thoughts in framing 
wishes. It is the best to set about doing the best you can. 

He that has been stung by a serpent is 
afraid of a rope. 

A piece of rope in the twilight is likely to be mistaken 
for a snake. Those who have suffered severely in any 
way, are apt to have unreasonable apprehensions of 
suffering the like again. 

He that has but one eye sees the better for it. 

Some say, " half a loaf is better than no bread." An 
imperfect good is better than none. 

He that buys a house ready -wrought, 
Hath many a pin and nail for nought. 

A house rarely sells for so much as it cost in building. 
Hence, some say, a fools build houses, and wise men 
live in them. " 

He ivho gives way to anger, punishes himself for 
the fault of another. 

He who thinks only of serving himself is the 
slave of a slave. 

A selfish man is the basest of slaves, because he is 
the slave of his own low and contemptible desires. 

Hard upon hard makes a bad stone wall, 
But soft upon soft makes none at all. 

Two people who are each of an unyielding temper will 
not act well together ; and people who are all of them of a 
very yielding temper will be likely to resolve on nothing ; 
just as stones without mortar make a loose wail, and 
mortar alone no wall. 



276 PROVERBS AND PRECEPTS, 

High winds blow on high hills. 

Those in the most elevated stations have to encounter 
great opposition, great dangers, great troubles, and every 
thing that calls for great firmness. 

Him that nothing will satisfy, let him have no 
thing. 

Half a leap is a fall into the ditch. 

If you will not take pains, pains will take you. 

If things were done twice, all would be wise. 

We often perceive after we have taken some step, how 
much better we could have proceeded if it were to come 
over again. To reflect carefully on your past errors, 
may enable you to learn wisdom from them in future. 

If the little birds did not hatch young cuckoos, 
they ivould not have to vjorry the old ones. 

You may often see little birds hunting and persecuting 
a cuckoo ; but every cuckoo has been hatched and reared 
in a little bird's nest. And thus men very often raise 
up some troublesome person into importance, and after- 
wards try in vain to get rid of them ; or give encourage- 
ment to some dangerous principle or practice, in order 
to serve a present purpose, and then find it turned 
against themselves. 

If you canH turn the wind, you must turn the 
mill sails. l 

That is, when the circumstances in which you are 
placed undergo a change, you must change your mea- 
sures accordingly. 



1 That is ? as a miller does. 



PROVERBS AND PRECEPTS. 277 * 

If every one ivoidd mend one, all would be men- 
ded. 

Some say, " If each would sweep before his own door, 
ice should have a clean street." Many a man talks and 
thinks much about reforms, without thinking of the re- 
form which is most in his power — the reform of himself. 

Ill doers are ill deemers. 

Most men are inclined, more or less, to judge of 
another by themselves. But this is chiefly the case with 
bad men ; because good men know that there are men 
who are not good ; but bad men are apt to deem all 
others as bad as themselves. When, therefore, a man 
takes for granted, without any good reason, that his 
neighbour is acting from base and selfish motives, or is 
practising deceit, this is a strong presumption that he is 
judging from himself. So, also, many a man who is 
raised high by ability, or rank, or wealth, is considered 
by others as proud, merely from their feeling that they 
themselves would be proud if they were in his place. 

It is too late to spare when all is spent. 

I will not imllingly offend, 

Nor be soon offended; 
What's amiss Til strive to mend. 

And bear ivhat can't be mended. 

It is a folly to work at the pump, and leave the 
leak open. 

That is, to let the cause of an evil continue, and 
labour to remedy the effects. 

It is good to begin well^ but better to end well. 



p/278 PROVERBS AND PRECEPTS* 

It is too late to loch the stable-door vjhen the 
steed is stolen. 

People are apt to put off taking precautions against 
some danger, till the evil has actually happened. 

Kindle the dry sticks, and Hie green ones will 
catch. 

If you begin by attempting to reform and to instruct 
those who need reformation and instruction the most, 
you will often find them unwilling to listen to you. 
Like green sticks, they will not catch fire. But if you 
begin with the most teachable and best disposed, when 
you have succeeded in improving these, they will be a 
help to you in improving the others. 

Keep your shop, and your shop will keep you. 
Little dogs start the hare, but great ones catch it. 

Obscure persons will sometimes be the chief devisers, 
originally, of some plan or institution, which more 
powerful ones follow up, and gain all the credit and 
advantage. 

Lose an hour in the morning, and you will be 
all the day hunting it. 

If you are behindhand w T ith the first piece of business 
you have to do, this will generally throw you behindhand 
with the next ; and so on with all the rest. 

Love without end has no end,. 

This is a quibble on the word " end. " Friendship is apt 
to come to an end, when a man is your friend, not so much 
for your own sake, as for some end or object he has in view. 






PROVERBS AND PRECEPTS. 279 

Little strokes fell great oaks. 
Look before you leap. 
Leave is light. 

A person will sometimes quit his post, and go abroad, 
or take something that does not belong to him, pleading 
as an excuse, that he had no doubt permission would 
have been granted. "Then, if so," you may answer, 
* ' why did you not ash ? permission would have been no 
burden to you." 

Leave your jest when it's at the best. 

Jokes are very apt to degenerate into earnest. The 
best way is, when all parties are in high good humour, 
and before the jest either grows tiresome, or a cause of 
irritation, to stop short, and leave it off. 

Misgive, that you may not mistake. 

Marry in haste, and repent at leisure. 

Many things grow in the garden that were never 
sown there. 

For weeds are apt to come up, and will spread if not 
well looked after. It would be a great mistake to expect 
that a child at school is sure to learn nothing but what 
the master teaches. They often learn evil from one 
another. 

Mettle is dangerous in a blind horse, 

When a man is commended for being very active, 
enterprising, and daring, you should inquire whether he 
has discretion enough to make these qualities service- 
able, which, without it, will only render him the more 
mischievous. 

Man proposes, but God disposes. 



280 PEOVEEBS AND PEECEPTS. 

No pains no gains. 

One year's seeding, 
Is nine years' weeding* 

If weeds are let to stand till they have shed their 
seeds, you will have very long and great labour in clear- 
ing the land afterwards. And so it is with bad practices 
when not checked early. 

One man may lead a horse to the pond's brink ; 
But tiventy men can never make him drink. 

We often talk of making a horse drink ; that is, lead- 
ing him to the water. But unless the horse is willing 
to drink, it is all in vain. So we may teach people their 
duty; that is, offer them instruction and advice: but if 
they are not willing to receive it, and act upon it, we can 
never make them good. 

Of small account is a fly, 
Till it gets into the eye. 

A thing that is very trifling and insignificant in itself, 
may in some particular cases be of vast importance. 
Thus the omission of one or two small words in a will, 
may make it void, and cause a large property to fall into 
other hands. And a navigator, if, in making a calcu- 
lation, he puts down a single figure wrong, may mistake 
the situation of the place where he is, and may perhaps 
lose his ship in consequence. Again, a man of very 
contemptible abilities, incapable of doing any great 
good, may sometimes cause great trouble and mischief 
(like a fly in one's eye), by contriving to interfere in 
some important business. 

Out of debt, out of danger. 

Office will show the man. 

Apx a T0V ctvdpa cu^ei. This is a Greek proverb, and 
a very just one. Some persons of great promise when 



PROVERBS AXD PRECEPTS. 281*- 

raised to high office, either are puffed up with self-suffi- 
ciency, or daunted by the "high winds that blow on high 
hills," or in some way or other disappoint expectation. 
And others again show talents and courage, and other 
qualifications, when these are called forth by high office, 
beyond what anyone gave them credit for before, and 
beyond what they suspected to be in themselves. It is 
unhappily very difficult to judge how a man will conduct 
himself in a high office, till the trial has been made. 

Praise a fair day at flight. — — 

Solon, the Athenian sage, gave great offence to Croe- 
sus, the rich and powerful king of Lydia, because when 
asked to say whom he thought the happiest man, he men- 
tioned first one, and then another, who were dead ; 
declaring that till the end of life, there was no saying 
what reverses a man might undergo, Croesus was after- 
wards defeated and taken captive by Cyrus, king of 
Persia, and the Lydian empire subdued. 

Promises may get friends ', but it is performance 
that keeps them. 

Ships dread fire more than water. 

The perils of the sea are great, and ships are constantly 
exposed to them; but they are constructed for the pur- 
pose. But being built of wood, fire is the most formida- 
ble danger to them. And that is the greatest danger to 
each person or thing, not which is greatest in itself, but 
which each is least calculated to meet. 

Sin is sin, though it be not seen. 

There is no virtue in being merely ashamed of a thing 
found out. A good man is ashamed of doing what is 
wrong; not merely of others knowing it. And he will 
remember that there is One who sees what is hidden 
from man. 



282 PROVERBS AKD PRECEPTS. 

The brighter the moon shines, the more the dogs 
hoivl. 

Some say, " the moon does not regard the barking -of 
dogs." It is a curious propensity in most dogs to howl 
at the moon, especially when shining brightest. In the 
same manner it may be observed, that any eminent per- 
son who is striving to enlighten the world, is sure to be 
assailed by the furious clamour and abuse of the bigoted 
and envious. This is a thing disgusting in itself (as the 
howling of dogs is an unpleasant sound) : but it is a sign 
and accompaniment of a man's success in doing service 
to the public. And if he is a truly wise man, he will 
take no more notice of it than the moon does of the 
howling of the dogs. Her only answer to them is, "to 
shine on." 

Small leaks sink great ships. 

Strike the iron while it is hot. 

It is in vain to think of what might have been done at 
such and such a time, when the opportunity is lost for 
ever. 

Smooth ivater runs deep. 

There is many a slip between the cup and the lip. 

This was originally a Grecian proverb, which is said to 
have originated thus : — The owner of a vineyard having 
overworked his slaves in digging and dressing it, one of 
them expressed a hope that his master might never taste 
the produce. The vintage came, and the wine was 
made ; and the master having a cup full of it in his hand, 
taunted the slave ; who replied in the words which after- 
wards became a proverb. The master, before he had 
tasted the wine, was told suddenly of a wild boar, which 
had burst into the vineyard, and was rooting it up. He 
ran out to drive away the beast, which turned on him 
and killed him; so that he never tasted the wine. 



PROVERBS AND PRECEPTS. 283 * 

There is no shame in refusing him that has no 
shame in ashing ; or, a shameless "pray, " a shame- 
less "nay" 

It is natural to many people to feel ashamed of refus- 
ing anyone a request ; and this is very right, when he 
requests only something that is reasonable. But he 
who is impudent and importunate in asking what is un- 
reasonable, ought to be met by a stout denial. 

The weaker goes to the wall. 

This proverb is generally misunderstood. The mean- 
ing of it is, that, as in a fray the party who is conscious 
of being overmatched, generally seeks the protection of 
a wall in the rere or some other advantage of position ; 
so, in any dispute, it is a sign of conscious weakness to 
endeavour to suppress the arguments of the opposite 
party, or to resort to the aid of the law, or of brute force. 

To confess that you have changed your mind, is 
to confess yourself wiser to-day than yesterday. 

The horse has not quite escaped that drags his 
halter. 

When a horse has broken loose, but carries with him 
the halter round his neck, we may often catch him again 
by getting hold of this. This proverb applies to anyone 
who has escaped some kind of servitude, but still retains 
something by which he may be brought back to it. If, 
for instance, you have left off any vicious course of life, 
bat still remain in the same neighbourhood, and keep up 
your acquaintance with your former bad companions, 
there will always be a likelihood of your being drawn 
back into your former vices. 

The best throw with the dice is, to throw them 
away. 



y 284 PROVERBS AND PRECEPTS. 

To spend, or to lend, or to give in, 
'Tis a very good world that toe live in ; 
But to borroiv, or beg, or get one's own, 
'Tis the very worst ivorld that ever ivas known. 

The loheel that's weak is apt to creak. 

When matters go on smoothly, like a wheel that is in 
good order, we seldom hear much of it. But when any 
thing goes wrong, complaints are made. A few persons 
who are suffering misfortunes, excite much more atten- 
tion than a great number who are thriving. And it is 
the same with nations ; from which cause it is, that 
their histories are chiefly filled with accounts of wars 
and tumults, earthquakes, famines, and other disasters ; 
and that peaceful and prosperous periods afford the 
smallest amount of materials for the historian. 

Those who cannot have what they like, must 
learn to like what they have. 

The mill cannot grind with the water that is 
past 

It is in vain to think of what might have been done 
at such and such a time, when the opportunity is lost 
for ever. 

Thy secret is thy servant till thou reveal it, 
and then thou art its servant. 

When }^ou have let out something that ought to have 
been concealed you will often be exposed to much care 
and anxiety. When an impertinent person presses you 
to betray something that has been confided to you, ask 
him, " Can you keep a secret?" and when he answers 
" Yes," do you reply, "Well, so can I." 



PROVERBS AND PRECEPTS. 285 

The tongue breaketh bone though itself hath none. 

Thistle-seeds fly. 

The downy seeds of the thistle are easily carried 
about by the winds, so as to cover the land with weeds. 
So, slanderous tales and mischievous examples are more 
easily spread than good instruction. 

The older the crab tree the more crabs it bear3. 

Some people fancy that a man grows good by grow- 
ing old, without t citing any particular pains about it. 
The vices and follies of youth he will perhaps outgrow ; 
but other vices, and even worse, will come in their stead. 
For it is the character of "the natural man, " (as the 
Apostle Pai^l expresses it,) to become worse as he grows 
older, unless a correcting principle be engrafted. If a 
wilding tree be grafted, when young, with a good fruit 
tree, then the older it is, if it be kept well pruned, the 
more good fruit it will bear. 

There is no more dust in the sunbeam than in 
the rest of the room. 

When the sun shines into a dusky room, you see the 
motes of dust that are in the sunbeam, and little or nothing 
cf the rest. So, when crimes or accidents are recorded in 
newspapers more than formerly, some people fancy that 
they happen more than formerly. And in many ways 
men are accustomed to mistake the increased knowledge 
of something that exists, for an increase of the thing itself. 

The cats one shift is worth all the fox's. 

The cat ran up a tree and escaped the hounds, when 
the fox, after all his tricks, was caught. One effectual 
security is worth a number of doubtful expedients. 

The master's eye makes the horse thrive. 

The man who has an interest in seeing a thing well 
done, sees quicker than anyone else, and keeps others 
to their dutv. 



/ 



286 PROVERBS AND PRECEPTS. 

'Tis the thunder that frights, 

But the lightning that smites. 

All the damage that is done in what is called a thunder- 
storm, is by the lightning ; the thunder being only the 
noise made by the lightning ; yet many persons are more 
terrified by the sound of the thunder than by any thing 
else. In like manner, in many other cases also, men are 
apt to be more alarmed by what sounds terrific, but is in 
reality harmless (blustering speeches, for instance), than 
by what is really dangerous. 

Two things you'll not fret at if you! re a ivise man, 
The thing you can't help, and the thing which you 
can. 

Throw not good money after bad. 

Some persons, when they have spent much money or 
pains in an unwise scheme, will spend as much more to 
bring it to a completion ; or will go to as great expense 
to recover a bad debt as would pay the debt twice over, 
and fail perhaps after all. 

That man's with wisdom truly blest, 
Who of himself can judge what's best, 
And scan with penetrating eye, 
What's hid in dark futurity. 
That man may also be deemed wise, 
Who with good counsellors complies ; 
But he who can't perceive what's right, 
And won't be rightly taught, j 

That man is in a hopeless plight, 1 
And wholly good for nought. 1 



i From the Greek of Hesiod, 



PKOVEKBS AND PRECEPTS. 287 

Too far east is west 

If a man travels very far to the eastward of any spot, 
he willin time find himself to the west of it, and at length 
will arrive at the very spot he set out from. Thus 
men, in their extreme anxiety to avoid some evil, will 
sometimes fall into that very evil. For instance, the 
French, at the time of the E evolution, in their excessive 
abhorrence of the tyranny of the ancient monarchy, gave 
themselves up so completely to the leaders of the revolu- 
tion which overthrew that monarchy, that they suffered 
them to exercise a far greater tyranny. 

The tree roots more fast, 
That has stood a tough blast 

This is literally true ; for it is always found that winds 
which do not blow a tree down make it root the better. 
It is also found, figuratively, that a rebellion, when put 
down, strengthens a government; and that any violent 
attacks made on anyone, and repelled, fix his credit the 
firmer. 

Wide will wear, hut tight will tear. 

As a dress that is too tight will be apt to burst, so as 
to afford no covering at all; so, laws and regulations 
which too closely fetter men's actions, are apt to be 
broken through in practice, and thus lead to complete 
disorder ; while more moderate restrictions would have 
been strictly enforced. 

When the weather is fair, 
Of your cloak take care. 

The French say — 

" Quand il fait beau, porte ton manteau ; 
Quand il pleut, fais ce que tu veux." 

That is, " When the weather is fine, take your cloak; 
when it rains, do as you will." No one needs to be 



288 PUOVEBBS AND PRECEPTS. 

warned to guard against a danger when it is evidently 
just at hand; but it is sometimes too late then to take 
precautions. A wise man takes precautions against 
dangers that are not apparently at hand. 

When your neighbours house is on fire, take care 
oj your own. 

Some persons are not only so selfish, but so stupid also, 
as to think little or nothing of some evil their neighbours 
are suffering, even when it is likely to spread to them- 
selves. Thus it has often happened that several small 
States have been subdued, one by one, by some con- 
queror; each fancying itself safe till its turn came. 

When there is a will there is a way. 

People readily satisfy themselves with excuses for not 
doing something- which they are not really intent upon. 

Willows are weak, but they bind other ivood. 

A person of no great ability in conducting affairs, may 
sometimes have the power of holding together others, 
and inducing them to act together, when they would 
not do so without him ; and when a fagot is untied, 
each single stick may be easily broken. 

Wise and good men made the laws, but it was fools 
and rogues that put them upon it. 

If all men were wise and good, there would be no 
need of laws to compel them to act rightly, because they 
would do so of their own accord. 



DyBLiN: Printed by Alexander Thom,87 .& 88, Abbey-street. 

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